Blount out for a few days

[Bigducker]

Sure hope everything turns out, would hate to lose him for any length of time.

http://blog.oregonlive.com/behindducksb ... eason.html

[echo31]

The guy needs to take care of whatever family issues would force him to return home. I hope all is well for him and his family. Hopefully he can stay away from the Southern cooking and return in shape.

[uodux1212]

This kind of stuff happens all the time... Ive had to leave town 3 times in the last year for family stuff... no worries.

"Excused absence"

[Hoagduck]

If this happened two weeks ago, I'd be much more concerned. He's really stepped up lately, and I'd like to see Crenshaw and Alston get more reps.

[Greydrake]

Honestly hope that it is nothing seriously wrong regarding any family member, however news like this have a way of panning out that way.

[odux]

If this happened two weeks ago, I'd be much more concerned. He's really stepped up lately, and I'd like to see Crenshaw and Alston get more reps.

I would also like to see Crenshaw get more reps. But Alston wont see much of the field this year unless its a blowout. Sorry to all those whole like Alston, but I just dont think he has what it takes to be a productive D-1 Running back. He is a talented RB, but not as talented as Blount, James, Crenshaw or even Barner. Alston will probably be the 4th string RB.

I do think that this years Running backs can be even better than last years. As long as they stay healthy and stay out of the dog house. Go Ducks!

[dthomas=ddixon]

I would also like to see Crenshaw get more reps. But Alston wont see much of the field this year unless its a blowout. Sorry to all those whole like Alston, but I just dont think he has what it takes to be a productive D-1 Running back. He is a talented RB, but not as talented as Blount, James, Crenshaw or even Barner. Alston will probably be the 4th string RB.

I gotta disagree with that. Last year he was the first guy off the bench after Blount obviously. He was earning some pretty decent playing time (which is darn impressive when you're behind two guys like JJ & Blount) before he broke his foot. He is definitely a very skilled RB that could very easily be the first guy behind Blount this year. Especially with LaJames playing all over the place in the new tazer position.

[odux]

I would also like to see Crenshaw get more reps. But Alston wont see much of the field this year unless its a blowout. Sorry to all those whole like Alston, but I just dont think he has what it takes to be a productive D-1 Running back. He is a talented RB, but not as talented as Blount, James, Crenshaw or even Barner. Alston will probably be the 4th string RB.

I gotta disagree with that. Last year he was the first guy off the bench after Blount obviously. He was earning some pretty decent playing time (which is darn impressive when you're behind two guys like JJ & Blount) before he broke his foot. He is definitely a very skilled RB that could very easily be the first guy behind Blount this year. Especially with LaJames playing all over the place in the new tazer position.

He was only the first off the bench because Crenshaw wasn't ever 100% healthy. And if James is playing at the tazer. Crenshaw will be the first back off the bench behind Blount. His sophomore year, he was the backup to Stewart when Johnson got hurt. Not Alston. I never said he wasn't talented. Just not as talented as those above him. I just dont see him taking carries away from Blount, James, Crenshaw and even Barner. I may be wrong, but come time for the season, I dont think I will be.

[Bigducker]

Also remember their putting in new plays all the time in the fall so, he's going to have catch up both physically and mentally if he's gone for any length of time.

[wheaton4prez]

I also put Crenshaw above Alston. But, not by much. Definitely not below Barner at this point.

[brich75]

I'm not sure how any of us can form a real opinion on Alston? We have seen very little of him the last couple of years. It will be hard to tell much about him unless we can see him carry the ball somewhere between 5 and 10 times a game.

[UOducksTK1]

IMO you can't really decide if Crenshaw or Alston is better at this point. We really haven't seen enough of either. Personally I love Alston's game, but because of injuries, it may have slowed him down.

Apparently, Alston had a really good practice today.

[freedjr]

I get the two mixed up all the time. Hope that doesn't make me a bad person!

[GrandpaDuck]

Way too early to write off Alston:

The PrepStar all-region choice ranked among the top 20 prep running back recruits in the country by Rivals.com, as well as among the top 22 recruits out of North Carolina … The Metro Conference 4A state offensive player of the year rushed for 2,133 yards and 24 touchdowns his senior year, in addition to returning a pair of punts for scores … Included was a 92-yard punt return for a TD for the Pirates

2006 — Was acknowledged as one of program’s top scout team contributors, earning team’s scout team’s offensive player-of-the-week accolades for nine consecutive weeks from prior to the Fresno State game through USC.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1) A high school stud and
2) A terror on our scout team
3) Effective last year as third running back last year 7.7 yards per carry.

To me that all spells potential plus he is the closest we have to a thunder back after Blount. At 5'8" +200 pounds he has some pop.

[blackjack17]

I'm a big fan of remene "the gentleman" alston.