Cal Running Backs Discussion: Is Isi Sofele Ready To Carry The Load?
by Avinash Kunnath on Dec 21, 2010 3:00 AM PST
in California Golden Bears Football
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We looked at Shane Vereen last week; today, it's all about the next generation.
Isi Sofele. A lot of people seem to not like him for whatever reason (he's too small he's too small!). What do you think? If necessary, would you be ready for him to be the feature back next season?
Kodiak: He'll do fine provided we have the O-line to block for him, and the offense avoids being one-dimensional. Look at Jacquizz Rodgers. He was a stud in 2009 playing with a senior quarterback, great Oline, and his All-American wide receiver brother outside. This year...he has none of the above and has looked pretty mortal. (except when running through us - sigh)
I suppose you could ask if Sofele didn't get as many carries as previous backups because Gould has questions about his ability, or because Shane is just that good.
I would not be surprised if Trajuan Briggs, Covaughn Deboskie-Johnson, or Dasarte Yarnway seize the starting job, but Sofele has the edge on all of them because he's been our best back at blitz pickup. He might be small, but he gets great leverage and position. That's one of the reasons Justin Forsett got so much time as a backup - he was one of the best pass pro blockers from the tailback position that we've ever had.
Ohio Bear: I think it's unfair that so many have piled onto Isi Sofele. We all recognize that our O-line is not stellar. So why are we throwing Isi under the bus for not looking particularly good running behind it? There is no question in my mind that Isi has some ability. Will he be the next Justin Forsett? I don't know, but I'd sure as heck like to see how he does behind a competent line. If he wins the starting job, I'm fine with him being the feature back.
solarise: Isi performed admirably at times. His lateral running style stretches the D. I also like how he finishes off runs despite of his diminutive size. He has the heart and strength to take on LBs and pick up blitzes. Overall I'm happy w/ Isi's progress, except for that botched handoff to Keenan Allen in the Crazy Formation against Washington. Huge glaring mistake.
Covaughn Deboskie-Johnson and Dasarte Yarnway fell out of the rotation and got injured. Will either be a major contributor, or will Gould and Tedford turn to young Trajuan Briggs or even one of the true freshmen?
solarise: I think Covaughn & Dasarte are the front runners @ the moment to complement Isi. If it weren't for the fumbles & injury I think Dasarte would've stood out more this year w/ his north-south running style. I will mention though that both Covaughn & Dasarte are untested in their pass catching and blocking. If either wants to become Cal's feature back in 2011 then they must win the coaches' trust in all aspects of the game.
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I think it’s about time to drop the Briggs/Marshawn comparisons. To be completely honest here, I think if you could take Marshawn as a freshman and drop him into 2010, he would have been the best RB on the team. At the very worst he would have been on the field the way he was behind JJ. Briggs clearly isn’t there.
That said, it’ll be interesting to see who emerges. If there’s one position I think I’ll always have confidence in, it’s RB.
I think that while Sofele definitely has a place in the rotation, I’m not sold on him being the #1 guy. It’s not a matter of his size (Kodiak brought up the obvious comparison), but of the intangibles and production.
There were times during the season when Isi showed real spark, but times when he simply didn’t. Some of that is on the OL, sure, but I’m trying to compare his performance as the #2 to the guys who were in that spot before him. And, to paraphrase Lloyd Bentsen, I’ve seen Lynch/Best/Vereen. I’ve watched them play. I’ve seen them make defenses look silly. Isi Sofele doesn’t seem like a Lynch/Best/Vereen.
Maybe that’s not fair, but it’s what I see. Ultimately, of course, I’ll trust Gould. That guy knows from good RBs.
Well, you're not hardcore unless you live hardcore.
I agree with this assessment. I’ve seen flashes from Isi, but he’s not completely there yet. I also don’t get the Quizz comparison at all. Quizz is RIDICULOUSLY FREAKING STRONG for his size, that’s what makes him so tough to tackle and what makes him durable enough to be an every-down back for the Beavs. Isi has bulked up a bit and is muscular for his size, but not nearly on the same plane as Quizz, that I can see.
California Golden Bears: 2nd place is nothing to sneeze at!
by atomsareenough on Dec 21, 2010 12:42 PM PST up reply actions
What I don’t get is when people act like a RB is small because he’s short. Jacquizz really isn’t that small. He’s short. I’d bet he has at least 10 pounds on Isi.
by Missing Barry on Dec 21, 2010 12:46 PM PST up reply actions
True. I’d say it definitely = quick/shifty, but there do seem to be many examples of short guys who don’t necessarily have good top end speed (Isi, Quizz)…
by Missing Barry on Dec 21, 2010 1:02 PM PST up reply actions
Colorado running back. We saw him this year.
California Golden Bears: 2nd place is nothing to sneeze at!
by atomsareenough on Dec 21, 2010 2:21 PM PST up reply actions
I was at the game. I suppose I didn’t care enough to learn the name of the guy who kept getting stuffed…
by Missing Barry on Dec 21, 2010 2:36 PM PST up reply actions
He is actually a good back
he had 290 carries for 1318 yards and averaged 4.5 yards a carry for the season. Plus 29 receptions for 290 yards.
4.5 yards per carry isn’t very good at the college level…
by Missing Barry on Dec 22, 2010 4:49 AM PST up reply actions
It is hard for me to believe in Isi when it seems like the coaches didn't have much
faith in him at the end of the season. The last three games of the season Isi had a total of seven carries.
Oregon – 0 carries
stanfurd – 3 carries
Washington – 4 carries
This wouldn’t seem so bad if we had a balanced offense but we all know this was not the case. Those last three games we were very run heavy, yet Isi barely saw the field. This has me questioining how much the coaches believe in him. Just like people trust Tedford to pick the right QB to start each week, I too trust Gould to get the best RB’s on the field each week. If Gould isn’t putting Isi in the game he must have a good reason. You would think that because our offense was so dependent on the run this season that our 2nd string RB would have gotten more than 69 (which is good for about 6 carries a game) carries on the year. Going into the season Tedford talked about finding a 2nd string RB who could help carry the load with Vereen but it seems like we never found one.
Not sure how fair it is to read that much into Isi's number of carries
In 2007, Jahvid Best was the # 2 back behind Forsett. And we all know how good he turned out to be. Yet, Jahvid had only 29 carries in 10 games.
In 2004, Beast Mode was the # 2 back behind Arrington. He ended up being pretty good. Yet, Beast Mode had only 71 carries in 12 games.
What does this mean? Who knows. Maybe nothing. I’m just not sure Isi’s number of carries alone is necessarily a good measure of how much “confidence” the coaches have in his ability. Maybe it’s just a reflection of the workhorse durability of Vereen, similar to the quality that Forsett had in ’07 or Arrington in ’04.
Yes, I am an Old Blue. Now get off my lawn.
No.
"We lose to Stanford in many sports, but if you want to make a Cal team quit, bring a weapon."
--Coach Clark
by carp on Dec 21, 2010 9:22 AM PST reply actions 2 recs
I do think there is potential for a good senior season next year, and I do think he’d be a great complimentary back, but I don’t see him doing well in short yardage or stack the box situations. While he’s done well in pass protection, we haven’t really seen him be much of a factor in the passing game compared to his predecessors. He’s quick and shifty, but his top end speed is not as good. I think he gets less bang for his shiftiness because he’s so small. I do like his infectious positive attitude.
Cal might be in good, not great shape as in years past, in the running aspect of running backs. The passing game seems a bit sketchier, but perhaps that will force the offense to actually throw in the 7-15 yard range a bit more.
"We lose to Stanford in many sports, but if you want to make a Cal team quit, bring a weapon."
--Coach Clark
I like Isi, too, but....
…I’m one of those guys who’s said I don’t see him as a #1 back carrying the load. It’s true, he’s not had the O-line JForsett had, but it’s the same O-line Shane has had and he’s done admirably running behind and through it. Isi is tough as nails, but (as I’ve said before) he’s no Quizz, and he’s also no Shane Vereen. Fast and shifty, yes, but generally unable to run through people and tackles like you need to get the extra yards, etc. Love him as a wide-out, WildBear, second back, kick returner, but I just don’t see him as a viable #1 on a winning Pac-12 team. If the O-line improves (that’s ALL I want for Christmas, Santa) and he is able to run more effectively, then I suspect the other, larger backs would be able to do much of that AND still fight through those tackles for extra yards.
I hope he proves me wrong.
I'd like to smell the Roses before I die.
by BTown85 on Dec 21, 2010 9:30 AM PST reply actions 1 recs
This is the first year of the Tedford era
that I am not confident that we have a “go to” running back. While there is something exciting about wide open competition (and I believe that we will have it both at quarterback and running back), except for Tedford’s first year, there was a significant side kick (Marshawn to JJ, Forsett to Marshawn (x2), Best to Forsett, Vereen to Best). I did not look it up, but I am pretty sure that Isi had the fewest yards of a backup in the last 5-6 years. Maybe we are just spoiled, since all of these guys have (or will) play in the NFL. Find another team in the country that can say that.
More importantly, through their use of Isi, I think the coaches signalled that he was not ready for prime time (Tedford will not use you with the game on the line if he is not confident of your ability to hold onto the football, and as someone noted 0 carries against Oregon, and few carries against Stanford and Washington when the bowl game is on the line).
So where does this leave us — excited for the new season, excited to see who excells, and just a bit nervous that we will be breaking in a new number 1 running back and quarterback. Do I think Isi will be it? I thing we have to see a lot more to know that, but I am less confident than I have been in years.
especially alarming about the Oregon game was that Vereen fumbled and the offense wasn’t really moving it. In previous years, especially with Marshawn and a bit with Best, he’d sit the back for a bit if he fumbled – perhaps the entire game. I think that happened with Marshawn before, no?
"We lose to Stanford in many sports, but if you want to make a Cal team quit, bring a weapon."
--Coach Clark
I remember Tedford sitting Marshawn for an entire half while the Bears lost just to prove a point after Marshawn fumbled twice in the first half.
by GoldenBear 77 on Dec 21, 2010 10:02 AM PST up reply actions
OAU 2005
The author, who has 35 years’ consulting experience, has taught at University of California Berkeley, where he was able to observe the culture and the way the senior management operates.
www.CaliforniaGoldenBlogs.com
I believe it was similar to the way we overused Forsett in 2007 and left Best and Monty on the bench.
Email: bearsnecessities@gmail.com
by Avinash Kunnath on Dec 21, 2010 2:02 PM PST up reply actions
Here are the numbers for the # 2 backs over the last several years
I did not look it up, but I am pretty sure that Isi had the fewest yards of a backup in the last 5-6 years
Year Player Att Yards Avg.
2010 Sofele 69 338 4.9
2009 Vereen 183 952 5.2 ^
2008 Vereen 142 715 5.0
2007 Best/Monty 65 392 6.0 +
2006 Forsett 119 626 5.3
2005 Forsett 132 999 7.6
2004 Lynch 71 628 8.8
2003 Arrington 107 607 5.7
^ Vereen started the final four games of the season and ended up with more yards and more carries than Best
+ Monty and Best combined stats
Yes, I am an Old Blue. Now get off my lawn.
Am I the only one who loves the all-yellow look?
Cal Football: I loved them once and they broke my heart. Let that be a lesson to you. Never love anything.
Banana suit
California Golden Bears: 2nd place is nothing to sneeze at!
by atomsareenough on Dec 21, 2010 1:03 PM PST up reply actions
As I said I like them but I would put them as our third best uniform combo
1. Blue jerseys on blue pants
2. Blue jerseys on yellow pants
3. Yellow jerseys on yellow pants
4. Yellow jerseys on blue pants
I actually don’t care for any of our road uniform combinations.
I really like yellow jerseys/blue pants the best.
I’d rank them:
Tops/bottoms
1. Yellow/Blue
2. Blue/White
3. Yellow/White
4. Blue/Blue
5. Blue/Yellow
6. White/Yellow
7. White/Blue
8. Yellow/Yellow
9. White/White
California Golden Bears: 2nd place is nothing to sneeze at!
by atomsareenough on Dec 21, 2010 2:55 PM PST up reply actions
Blue on blue is ugly
Gold jersey on Blue pants are the best.
white/white, white/blue, blue/gold are nice too.
gold/white, blue/white are teh ugliest. never. never.
Any jersey without yellow in it doesn’t make my list.
1. Yellow top, blue pants
2. Blue pants, yellow top
3. Yellow top, yellow pants
4. Who cares.
by Missing Barry on Dec 22, 2010 4:51 AM PST up reply actions
Love it!
The author, who has 35 years’ consulting experience, has taught at University of California Berkeley, where he was able to observe the culture and the way the senior management operates.
www.CaliforniaGoldenBlogs.com
We might not break the 1,000 yard rushing again next year
Not the biggest deal, since that streak ended last year anyways. If we do break the 1,000 yards rushing again, I think its gonna be someone other than Isi, perhaps Briggs or Yarnway.
That said, in 2007, behind Justin Forsett, the 2nd string didn’t get many carries at all, just like this year. What happened the following year? That 2nd string RB became the featured back in 2008, and he had one of the best seasons by any Cal RB.
Not exactly apples to apples comparison
That said, in 2007, behind Justin Forsett, the 2nd string didn’t get many carries at all, just like this year. What happened the following year? That 2nd string RB became the featured back in 2008, and he had one of the best seasons by any Cal RB.
Best was well on his way to beating out James Montgomery for the 2nd string position and establishing himself as the front runner for the RB position in 08 before his season ending injury against SC. Best showed enough flashes of brilliance for people to feel confident in his ability as a starter the following season. We also had James Montgomery on that team who helped split carries with Best and Forsett.
Isi is no Best. As you can see from the first half of my comment, Im not sold on Sofele.
Im just saying, just a lack of carry may not mean he’s not ready to break out next year. I mean, I wish great things happen in Cal football, and wish the best for all the players, including Isi. Im just trying to find something positive to be hopeful for.
I think Isi will work best to split the load half and half with a power back like Yarnway or Briggs. That will be beast.
BTW, the 1000 yard rushing mark is one of the most overcelebrated stats in all of football, and ranks up there with starting pitcher’s W/L record and a hitter’s RBI total.
"We lose to Stanford in many sports, but if you want to make a Cal team quit, bring a weapon."
--Coach Clark
MCAT scores!
"We lose to Stanford in many sports, but if you want to make a Cal team quit, bring a weapon."
--Coach Clark
Like this, no?
I supposed going to the Rose Bowl would also be an excuse to climb to the top of a NYC skyscraper…
"To steal ideas from one person is plagiarism; to steal from many is
research."
Oh never mind…cutting and pasting. :oP
http://www.hulu.com/watch/202001/saturday-night-live-snl-digital-short-i-just-had-sex
"To steal ideas from one person is plagiarism; to steal from many is
research."
I disagree, I think a 1000 yard rushing season, especially in CFB is very difficult
That is no easy task, especially when you consider how pass happy CFB and all levels of football seem to be these days. You have to also factor in that a lot of programs like to use two RB’s now as well, so that means the number one back isn’t getting as many touches.
I’ve never really understood what the fixation with total yards is. Like many other measured things in sports, it’s only relevant with greater context (how many touches you get), and yet, it gets treated as if it’s meaningful on it’s own, without that context…
by Missing Barry on Dec 21, 2010 1:01 PM PST up reply actions
I say it’s a nice accomplishment, sure, put people typically use it as The Mark for a successful rushing attack and the success of the offense. I’m less impressed over 12-14 games, especially the SEC teams with 4 OOC patsies.
"We lose to Stanford in many sports, but if you want to make a Cal team quit, bring a weapon."
--Coach Clark
What about incoming freshmen?
Bigelow, 5’10", 180 lbs., was supposedly stunning before his injury, and then Lasco is also 4-stars at 6’1", 190 lbs.
I don’t think Isi is a 1000 yard type runner. I would more think CDJ fits that mold, having seen a number of his runs – I liked! But CDJ apparently lost out to Isi before his season ending injury, so Tedford doesn’t apparently see CDJ as the 1000 yarder.
Meanwhile, Yarnway hasn’t sniffed playing time yet, so it seems he’s not the future either.
So, I have to think that Lasco and Bigelow will get looked at.
Net: Isi is clearly the incumbent, but you are asking the question in this post b/c nobody believes he can be the featured lead back for Cal next year. Competition would appear to be wide open!
Yeah, I like Isi… as a backup. He’s fast, explosive, but hasn’t really impressed me in the sense that I don’t think he can be an every down back. I don’t know if he can get that 3rd and 2 behind a shoddy line when the defense is stacking the box. Not many can, but Cal’s always had that guy. We don’t know that guy is gonna be next year, but I doubt it’s Sofele. Probably Briggs or CBJ, with Sofele and a new guy behind him, whether it’s Lasco or Bigelow.
what's up w/ Briggs?
can someone get me up to date on him? He looked sharp in the spring game and then what happened?
I don’t have anything to back up this statement, but I’m pretty sure he just got bogged down in the depth we have at RB. The coaches probably saw that while he’s good, he wasn’t so good it was worth using a year of eligibility. If Vereen goes to the NFL, which we all find very likely, I think it’s basically open competition.
I still don’t see why it’s so very likely Shane goes to the NFL.
by Missing Barry on Dec 22, 2010 4:52 AM PST up reply actions
what is there for Vereen to do, that he hasnt done already at Cal? Hes graduating this spring. I think its very likely hes leaving.
I agree he’s done a lot at Cal and it’s likely as much as he can do, but I do think there’s room for Vereen to do things at Cal if he had the offensive talent around him to help get him there. Therefore, I expect him to be gone.
"We lose to Stanford in many sports, but if you want to make a Cal team quit, bring a weapon."
--Coach Clark
Get a higher draft position?
California Golden Bears: 2nd place is nothing to sneeze at!
by atomsareenough on Dec 22, 2010 9:26 AM PST up reply actions
The book is out on Vereen...
…he isn’t getting any better. This is who he will be through the NFL. Another 1,000 rushing year with 15-20 TDs will not change anything, except more thread on his tires.
He grades high enough by the NFL that he could/should be picked 2nd-3rd round.
He already got his degree.
He is as good as gone, and I wish him the best.
by DavidsonBear on Dec 22, 2010 1:36 PM PST up reply actions
How many players declare for the NFL draft early that aren’t first/second round picks and don’t have a pressing reason (like failing grades) why they have to leave college early?
by Missing Barry on Dec 22, 2010 9:36 AM PST up reply actions
Then there’s also the uncertainty about the NFL’s labor agreement.
by Missing Barry on Dec 22, 2010 9:38 AM PST up reply actions
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