Duke Johnson-RB-Miami

Phoenix49ers · 2014-12-10T15:13:15-08:00

I made this thread before, and the entire forum went FUBAR, so let me try this yet one more time. Speed and playmaking is something that pretty much everyone seems to agree that this offense is lacking. Johnson would be a great step towards answering those concerns. Smaller, explosive, has drawn some comparisons to Jamaal Charles, Johnson would present a terrific contrast to Carlos Hyde and the 49ers could be replacing one tremendous Miami Hurricanes RB with yet another. Its unknown whether he'll be coming in 2015 but if he does, then he certainly becomes an intriguing option. http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap1000000239219/article/dynomite-explosive-duke-johnson-best-miami-rb-ever Vision The mark of a great runner is the ability to spot and explode through creases at the point of attack and beyond. Johnson certainly falls into the category with his superb instincts and vision. He routinely finds seams in the middle of congestion, and displays exceptional stop-start quickness bursting through cracks. Looking at tape from Johnson's freshman season, he frequently acted like Houdini making multiple defenders miss with hard cuts before scooting through holes for big gains. Last week against Florida Atlantic, he continued to display extraordinary vision by slithering through traffic to turn a pair of routine runs into 40-plus-yard jaunts. Johnson's 53-yard touchdown run, in particular, showcased his ability to find a seam in traffic, as he exploded through creases and eluded multiple defenders on the way to end zone. The Hurricanes' running game has gone from good to great since his arrival. Power Gone are the days of 3-yards-and-a-cloud-of-dust football, but offensive coaches still prefer running backs who are difficult to bring down in traffic. While most observers view Johnson as a scat back-type based on his remarkable stop-start quickness and elusiveness, I see a hard-nosed runner with deceptive strength and power. Johnson routinely runs through arm tackles in the hole, while also displaying the aggressiveness to finish runs with authority. His willingness to take on tacklers at the end of runs is uncommon for a back that weighs fewer than 200 pounds. Although slamming Johnson between the tackles against loaded boxes isn't an ideal tactic, his toughness, competitive zeal and power make him a legitimate threat as a workhorse runner in a pro-style offense. Explosiveness Offensive coaches covet runners with home-run speed, but most play-callers would prefer a runner with a combination of explosive agility and stop-start quickness. The game is played within a 10-yard area of the line of scrimmage, which makes it invaluable to have a runner who can explode through cracks in traffic. Johnson is an exciting runner with remarkable combination of quickness, shiftiness and wiggle. He excels at making multiple defenders miss in traffic, while displaying the speed and quickness to rumble through the secondary on the way to a big gain. While gaining nearly 200 rushing yards against Florida Atlantic last week, he frequently made multiple defenders miss in the hole and displayed the acceleration to get to the second level in a hurry when the Hurricanes' front line put a hat on a hat at the point of attack. Johnson looked quicker and more explosive than he did as a freshman, which is a scary thought for defenders around the country. Big-play ability Runners capable of scoring from anywhere on the field drive defensive coordinators nuts on game day. Defensive play-callers must account for these runners' whereabouts at all times. They have to craft a scheme that keeps a defender in the gap to prevent an explosive runner from squirting through a crack for a long score. Johnson certainly keeps defensive coaches up all night, with his remarkable ability to break off big plays from anywhere on the field. He has already amassed seven runs of 50-plus yards in his brief college career and has a nose for the end zone. Although Johnson doesn't appear to have sub-4.4 speed, the fact he is rarely caught from behind suggests he is a natural playmaker with home-run potential. Factor in his exceptional kickoff-return skills (Johnson averaged 33 yards per return on 27 attempts last season), it is easy to see why the Hurricanes love getting their top playmaker the ball early and often in games. Receiving skills Johnson might be the most natural pass catcher out of the backfield we've seen in the college football in years. He effortlessly snatches the ball out of the air, while displaying underrated route-running skills on the perimeter. The Hurricanes have started to tap into his versatility and skills by aligning him in the slot, but he will also run a variety of routes from his customary tailback position. Johnson has 28 receptions in 13 career games, making him a weapon in the passing game defensive coaches must account for in the game plan. http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000419752/article/miamis-duke-johnson-likened-to-walter-payton-barry-sandersCincinnati coach Tommy Tuberville told Sports Illustrated's Inside Read that Johnson's style reminds him of two of the greatest backs to ever play the game -- Walter Payton and Barry Sanders. "He kind of reminds me of Walter Payton, where he can stop and go sideways," Tuberville said. "One of those Barry Sanders-type of guys that can accelerate, hit a hole fast and change directions." » MSU, FSU top first CFB Playoff rankings Against the Bearcats, Johnson had his best per-carry average of the season, 16.2 yards, in shredding Tuberville's defense with 10 carries for 162 yards. In his next outing, Johnson posted his best game of the season (29 carries, 249 yards) against Virginia Tech, prompting longtime Hokies coach Frank Beamer to say Johnson is among the best backs he has ever seen. I think Johnson and Hyde would be a devastating duo for the future.

Dec 10, 2014 at 4:43 PM

Hysterikal
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Yes please. He is just fun to watch. And after he scores he flips the ball to the ref and celebrates with his team.

Dec 10, 2014 at 7:38 PM

LZRD_WZRD
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He looks really explosive and seems to have remarkable vision. My one concern is he seems kind of small. Can he break tackles in the NFL and stay healthy? I think he needs to build up his frame a bit, but I like him. He'd be a first round talent if he had the size imo

[ Edited by LZRD_WZRD on Dec 10, 2014 at 7:39 PM ]

Dec 10, 2014 at 7:41 PM

Rascal
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He is my RB pick at the moment.

Dec 10, 2014 at 7:47 PM

LifelongNiner
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Originally posted by Rascal:
He is my RB pick at the moment.

Ditto.

Dec 10, 2014 at 8:56 PM

Phoenix49ers
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Originally posted by LZRD_WZRD:
He looks really explosive and seems to have remarkable vision. My one concern is he seems kind of small. Can he break tackles in the NFL and stay healthy? I think he needs to build up his frame a bit, but I like him. He'd be a first round talent if he had the size imo

He's about 200 pounds, similar build to Andre Ellington of the Cards, a little better frame than Jamaal Charles. I think if you had him split carries with Hyde, it would really go a long way to keeping him healthy. Because of his speed, I think he could really be a nice weapon versus pretty much every other team in the NFC West. Would be beautiful to see a 2 RB set with him and Hyde at the same time.

Dec 10, 2014 at 9:01 PM

LZRD_WZRD
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Originally posted by Phoenix49ers:
Originally posted by LZRD_WZRD:
He looks really explosive and seems to have remarkable vision. My one concern is he seems kind of small. Can he break tackles in the NFL and stay healthy? I think he needs to build up his frame a bit, but I like him. He'd be a first round talent if he had the size imo

He's about 200 pounds, similar build to Andre Ellington of the Cards, a little better frame than Jamaal Charles. I think if you had him split carries with Hyde, it would really go a long way to keeping him healthy. Because of his speed, I think he could really be a nice weapon versus pretty much every other team in the NFC West. Would be beautiful to see a 2 RB set with him and Hyde at the same time.

I agree. Hyde + Johnson would be a perfect combination

Dec 10, 2014 at 9:37 PM

LVJay
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Hell yeah, even if Gore stays (I hope he does), I still would love that dude on board!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hyde is going to break out next year (IMO) and this guy would be a great change of pace / reliever.

Dec 11, 2014 at 9:01 AM

LifelongNiner
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It also leaves us room to pick up a battering ram as an UDFA to develop. Kendall Hunter (who I like) is probably one and done. I hope he has a big year next season which equals a comp pick for us, even if it's only likely to be a 7th rounder.

Dec 11, 2014 at 3:14 PM

JamesGatz83
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Would love to get Duke here. Perfect complement to Hyde.

Dec 12, 2014 at 11:55 AM

#10

ESWYoung08
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He's growing on me, he'd be a steal in the 3rd.

Dec 12, 2014 at 12:26 PM

#11

Phoenix49ers
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Originally posted by ESWYoung08:
He's growing on me, he'd be a steal in the 3rd.

You should probably get that looked at.

Dec 12, 2014 at 1:19 PM

#12

ESWYoung08
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Originally posted by Phoenix49ers:
You should probably get that looked at.

haha, it's running quickly to the red zone.

Dec 12, 2014 at 1:23 PM

#13

crabman82
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as a general rule of thumb, draft any rb from the U if you get the chance

Dec 12, 2014 at 1:26 PM

#14

DeUh
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Football Insiders

Johnsons best trait is his great change of direction abilities. No matter how fast he is moving; he can cut into the open field without having to break his stride. This allows Johnson to get into running lanes that few running backs can get into. Time and again, he is accelerating as he makes his cut, which allows him to gain a great deal of separation from opposing defenders.

Johnson is at his best in the open field where can use his fantastic change of direction skills to make opponents miss. However, he is not averse to making the tough runs between the tackles where he must fight for any positive yardage. In the NFL, running backs make their money between the tackles because it is too hard to get to the outside on a regular basis against the extremely athletic and disciplined defenses. The great running backs dont try to hit the home run on every play; instead, they make decisive decisions and get downhill as soon as possible.

The most underrated aspect of Johnson's toolkit is his ability to pass protect. One of the biggest reasons why talented running backs dont see the field is because they are a liability in protecting the quarterback. The running back has to be able to diagnose where the free defenders are coming from and they must have the strength, power and technique to absorb the blow from the defender, keep their feet and maintain the block until the quarterback throws the ball.

When Johnson isnt pass protecting he is a very capable receiver who runs precise route while exhibiting natural hands when catching passes. Johnson has the ability to take a simple swing pass and turn it into a game changing type of play.

[ Edited by DeUh on Dec 13, 2014 at 2:52 PM ]