Good stuff from Josh Hemholdt on new Cat Jeremy Larkin

[lou v]

Rivals Midwest recruiting expert Josh Hemholdt, who has seen Larkin play many times, talks about the three-star running back's balance, vision and strength, comparing him to none other than Justin Jackson.

Larkin a big get for Northwestern

 

[corbi296]

IT

Rivals Midwest recruiting expert Josh Hemholdt, who has seen Larkin play many times, talks about the three-star running back's balance, vision and strength, comparing him to none other than Justin Jackson.

Larkin a big get for Northwestern

I have been saying it for a while. It's uncanny how similar they are. The same vision, patience, lateral quickness, ability to slither through a hole makes them both very effective/productive runners between the tackles. The similarity also extends to a lack of breakaway speed although in watching Larkin's tape I was surprised by how many times I thought he was going to get caught from behind and ultimately he did not. I will say I think Larkin catches the ball a bit better than Jackson although in JJ's defense he does not get a lot of opportunities to do so in our offense.

 

[Deeringfish]

IT


I have been saying it for a while. It's uncanny how similar they are. The same vision, patience, lateral quickness, ability to slither through a hole makes them both very effective/productive runners between the tackles. The similarity also extends to a lack of breakaway speed although in watching Larkin's tape I was surprised by how many times I thought he was going to get caught from behind and ultimately he did not. I will say I think Larkin catches the ball a bit better than Jackson although in JJ's defense he does not get a lot of opportunities to do so in our offense.

They are not catching him because at that level he is fast. We are used to seeing JJ against a faster secondary every week.

 

[corbi296]

They are not catching him because at that level he is fast. We are used to seeing JJ against a faster secondary every week.

I am not sure it's that simple because during some of the runs the defenders gain on him initially. He seems to have a "survival" instinct that kicks in at the last second that gives him a short additional burst or he makes a little subtle move that creates enough additional space to score. I have seen this characteristic in other players that weren't considered fast (Jerry Rice for instance) but it is a rare quality.

 

[DaCat]

In his HS highlights, JJ showed really good breakaway speed. Obviously the players are much faster at the Power 5 level so I suspect Larkin may be similar to JJ in that aspect too.

 

[gocatsgo2003]

I have been saying it for a while. It's uncanny how similar they are. The same vision, patience, lateral quickness, ability to slither through a hole makes them both very effective/productive runners between the tackles. The similarity also extends to a lack of breakaway speed although in watching Larkin's tape I was surprised by how many times I thought he was going to get caught from behind and ultimately he did not. I will say I think Larkin catches the ball a bit better than Jackson although in JJ's defense he does not get a lot of opportunities to do so in our offense.

And Larkin has a better build for the running style, shorter with a lower center of gravity.

 

[mybrotha]

So there in lies a conundrum for McCall and co. Clearly our best talent on offense is at running back. Next year we will have JJ, Long, Anderson and Moten. Perhaps Larkin as well, although I doubt it. Point is any good field general uses what he has to maximize his chances of winning on the battlefield. If you add Roberts in that mix you have a lot of speed, elusiveness and running ability. McCall needs to do a much better job of creating something that uses theses kids talents. Not sure what that is, but that's what he gets paid to do.

 

[Hungry Jack]

So there in lies a conundrum for McCall and co. Clearly our best talent on offense is at running back. Next year we will have JJ, Long, Anderson and Moten. Perhaps Larkin as well, although I doubt it. Point is any good field general uses what he has to maximize his chances of winning on the battlefield. If you add Roberts in that mix you have a lot of speed, elusiveness and running ability. McCall needs to do a much better job of creating something that uses theses kids talents. Not sure what that is, but that's what he gets paid to do.

Just run the ball 60 times a game for 250-300 yards, man. Pound the rock. Then use play action to throw it 20 times for 200 yards. No problem.

 

[PURPLE Book Cat]

So there in lies a conundrum for McCall and co. Clearly our best talent on offense is at running back. Next year we will have JJ, Long, Anderson and Moten. Perhaps Larkin as well, although I doubt it. Point is any good field general uses what he has to maximize his chances of winning on the battlefield. If you add Roberts in that mix you have a lot of speed, elusiveness and running ability. McCall needs to do a much better job of creating something that uses theses kids talents. Not sure what that is, but that's what he gets paid to do.

Triple option!

 

[stpaulcat]

So there in lies a conundrum for McCall and co. Clearly our best talent on offense is at running back. Next year we will have JJ, Long, Anderson and Moten. Perhaps Larkin as well, although I doubt it. Point is any good field general uses what he has to maximize his chances of winning on the battlefield. If you add Roberts in that mix you have a lot of speed, elusiveness and running ability. McCall needs to do a much better job of creating something that uses theses kids talents. Not sure what that is, but that's what he gets paid to do.

"Not sure what that is, but that's what he gets paid to do." At this point, it is hit or miss. If he creates a great game plan for the Outback bowl and we win, that will be a good sign. If not, I think it is time to say bye-bye. Good offense starts at the top.

 

[Figrating]

So there in lies a conundrum for McCall and co. Clearly our best talent on offense is at running back. Next year we will have JJ, Long, Anderson and Moten. Perhaps Larkin as well, although I doubt it. Point is any good field general uses what he has to maximize his chances of winning on the battlefield. If you add Roberts in that mix you have a lot of speed, elusiveness and running ability. McCall needs to do a much better job of creating something that uses theses kids talents. Not sure what that is, but that's what he gets paid to do.

Don't overlook Jesse Brown, the recruiting class sleeper.

All we need now is equally athletic OL to give them room to run.