Indiana University Athletics
RBs Ready for Opportunity
3/26/2005 12:00:00 AM | Football
"I really feel confident in both guys," said Brown. "They have really worked hard and are both good runners. Chris and Yamar have different styles, and they are very effective in what they do."
Taylor is the faster of the two, improving his speed in the offseason, while Washington uses a power running game to wear down defenses. The contrast in styles will provide the Hoosiers with quite a 1-2 punch in 2005.
"Chris has improved his speed quite a bit," said Brown. "It seems like he is running faster. He is a big guy and when he gets going downhill he is tough to stop. Chris also has the ability to get on the perimeter and make some plays."
Despite the praise from Brown, Taylor sees room for improvement. As a junior, Taylor rushed for 329 yards and three touchdowns, averaging 4.0 yards per carry in 2004. He rushed for 464 yards during his sophomore season and 229 yards as a freshman.
The Memphis, Tenn., native turned in one of his best performances in last season's finale against Purdue, where he ran for 48 yards on nine carries, including a 22-yard touchdown scamper.
"I feel I can get better," said Taylor. "As I practice and watch film, I'll continue to get better. It is good to get
Washington showed what he could do when he gets a chance, recording 688 yards and nine touchdowns with a 4.0 average in 2002 en route to earning Big Ten All-Freshman honors from The Sporting News as a redshirt freshman.
"Yamar is going to come downhill, and he uses that to set up the defense because he does have some shake to him. But overall, he is a physical runner. He is just a hard-nosed kid who relies more on power and running hard," said Brown. "I think Kenni is at the point in his career where he has to get competitive in the running game," said Brown. "He has to start getting recognized as a running back. Yes, we'll utilize him in the special teams. But at this point, Kenni needs to expect more of himself and fight and compete at the running back position." By way of St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Canton, Ohio, Dennis Underwood enrolled at Indiana in January and is participating in spring drills. He played running back and defensive back for head coach Tim Tyrell, rushing for 1,207 yards and 12 touchdowns as a junior. Underwood was ranked the 38th-best player in the state of Ohio by Rivals.com and is getting an early opportunity to show what he can do. "Dennis is a young kid who is here a semester early. He is learning day-to-day, not only on the field, but in all phases," said Brown. "Dennis is a very talented kid, and it is good that he is here early, so he can get a grasp of what we are doing. What he has to do is continue to work hard, take care of all the little things, and take advantage of the opportunity he has." If the first week of spring ball is any indication, it appears these four are more than capable to carry the load and give the Hoosiers a very impressive backfield.
Washington missed 2003 after suffering a torn anterior cruciate ligament one day prior to the spring game before returning to see action in every game last seasonto rack up 122 yards. He felt good to get back on the field this week, but he knows there is work to be done.
"Overall, it (the first week of practice) was okay, "said Washington. "We have not played football in a while, and we are still learning. It feels good to get out there in pads."
Joining the aforementioned pair, sophomore Kenni Burns is looking to get into the action at tailback. Burns spent 2003 as a redshirt and returned last season as an integral piece on the special teams unit, appearing in 10 games. In his third year with the program, Brown expects more from the Springfield, Ill., product.
