Scrimmage Highlights Good Back Play

Tuesday marked the the first scrimmage practice for the Huskies, and while the number one offense saw little of the field, the running backs had a great day.

Several busted off some big runs or some big catches out of the backfield.

Some of the numbers are as follows:

Curtis Shaw: 4-70 with a long of 50

Johri Fogerson: 6-48 with a 48 yard reception

Demetrius Bronson: 6-31

Chris Polk: 4-8 but with a 33 yard reception

Willie Griffin: 3-16

The running back situation is going to be key in the coming year. The progress made at this position will make or break a lot of what Sarkisian is trying to install.

With no clear starter being pushed to the front, it's easy to assume that Sarkisian may employ a committee system like the last couple years at USC.

It doesn't bode well for any single running back to get that star presence, but it may be the only answer.

Locker needs a lot of weight lifted off of his shoulders to really flourish this season.

There has been a lot made of the strides he's been making as a passer, but it will be a difficult task for him if he has to throw on 3rd and 8 rather than 3rd and 3 every time.

Chris Polk has been so highly touted his first two years here, especially in the preseason. Yet, he has fizzled in the the actually game situations he's been in.

It would not be a surprise if guys like Curtis Shaw or Willie Griffin make more of an impact over the course of the year than Polk, even if Polk is the starter.

The guy who is making the biggest move is sophomore Johri Fogerson.

The former safety is looking comfortable in his new position, enough so that it is a bit of a wonder why he wasn't playing running back sooner.

The pro-style offense Sarkisian runs relies heavily on the run game, so it is good news when the backs are playing well.

The only caveat I can give is that so far they have only played the Husky defense, which was notoriously atrocious at run stopping the last couple years.

It will be a whole different animal when the Tigers of LSU roll into town.

Let's hope the backs are still up for the challenge.