Dukes Pick Up Verbal From Stacey Bedell
Todd and I typically try to keep from reporting on any verbal commitments the Dukes get. Instead we try to be patient and wait for the signed offer letters to come in. However, when a talented running back who rushed for 2.532 yards and 39 touchdowns withdraws his commitment to a CAA rival in order to become a Duke, we can’t resist. Stacey Bedell announced this week that he is headed to JMU to play football. The 3 star recruit had originally given Villanova a verbal commitment in July. Thankfully, the Dukes kept pursuing him and he changed his mind. Bedell is a great get for Mickey and the staff. He was timed running a 4.48 40-yard dash…with a sprained ankle. So we know the kid is fast. From the highlights above, we also know that he hits the hole and makes his cut quick. And he comes to play in big games, rushing 412 yards and 4 touchdowns in the Long Island Class 1 Championship game.
Go back to the I-formation with a fullback in the backfield. Put Stacey back there and run the zone and power all day. Let him hit the line quick, make his cut, and takeoff. There isn’t a good pursuit angle when you are chasing someone from behind.
…or you could run the option out of the shotgun where he takes his sub-4.4 speed and runs towards the sideline while all 11 defenders take easy pursuit angles to pin him into the sideline and chase him down.
(MM- that nugget of wisdom is on me. My treat.)
(To see this offensive gameplan in action please see: Dakota State, North or State, Sam Houston. I believe they will both be playing in the national championship in a few weeks.)
2004 Duke, Sam Houston State absolutely does not run an I-formation. And we don’t just have our backs run toward the sideline at all times. Did you see Jordan Anderson play this year? Go back and watch the Maine game again.