Panther Talk: Position Group: RB

Welcome back for our next segment of position group previews for the 2019 Pitt Panthers. Last week we took a look at the leader of the offense, the QB, and this week we take a look at the horsepower of the offense, the running backs! The University of Pittsburgh, AKA Running Back University, loves to pride ourselves on our RB history with the following as just a short list: Tony Dorsett, James Conner, Lesean Mccoy, and Qadree Ollison, among many more. Last season, Ollison and Hall were the work horses for our offense as they both eclipsed 1,000 yards, but this year they are both in the NFL and a new RB needs to step up in Mark Whipple's new offense; so who will step up to fill this huge role in Pitt's offense? Let's take a look!

RBs on the Roster

Mychale Salahuddin (#7): RS-FR 5-11 205
V'Lique Carter (#19): So. 5-9 180
AJ Davis (#21): JR 6-0 215
Todd Sibley (#23): RS-So. 5-9 220
Kyle Vreen (#39): RS-JR 5-10 180
Daniel Carter: FR, 5-10 204
Vincent Davis: FR 5-8 165

Projected Starter

AJ Davis has always been the guy behind Ollison and Hall, so we have to give him the benefit of the doubt here although he has not shown us much in his first two seasons. This group will very much be by committee with V'Lique having a breakout freshman season and Sibley getting a lot of praise during spring practice. At least to start the season, we expect AJ to get most of the carries.

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Best Case Scenario
Each one of these guys shows off their unique talent and have an effective place in the new offense. V'Lique Carter builds off of a strong freshman season and continues to make splash plays for the offense and is utilized in a multi-dimension role by new OC Mark Whipple. AJ Davis finally breaks out with the potential we saw coming out of high school, possibly even eclipsing the 1000-yard mark.

Worst Case Scenario

The season is a game of musical chairs at RB. No one player truly takes hold of the starting position. Between AJ, Sibley, Salahuddin, and Carter, they all have different roles but none are reliable 1st and 2nd down backs who can grind for yards when needed most. 

Overall Group Rating: C+

There is potential with this group, but overall there is not much, if any, returning production from this group outside of V'Lique's splash plays and Davis's random uses on short yardage plays (which we never really understood?). Daniel Carter is a promising freshman, but we expect him to redshirt with four RBs in front of him. Most importantly, they need to find leaders and their places in the offense; if not, RB is a very replaceable position.

GIF Description of the Group

What are your thoughts on the RB depth going into the 2019 season? Do you have any confidence in their talent? Let us know and thanks for reading! As always, Hail to Pitt!

-Aaron and Ryan, TGYK