Iowa State coach Paul Rhoads has high expectations for running back Alexander Robinson. The junior led I.S.U. in rushing in 2008 with just over 700 yards and Rhoads feels his style of running fits well with their new spread offense.
He says Robinson has a chance to be a special player as he catches the ball well, has toughness, runs over people, and makes people miss. Rhoads says there is also plenty of depth at that position and sophomore Bo Williams and Freshman Jeremiah Schwartz should also get playing time.
He says Williams and Schwartz has to realize their style and go out and get proficient at it. He says their style is to run hard, and as soon as they realize that, they will get better.
Rhoads says a key for Robinson this season will be to remain healthy. He says Robinson has some history of injury, and he says the great backs don’t miss many games. Rhoads says the more you feed a back the ball, the better they get.
Robinson says he likes the potential of the new offense as it spreads things out and give smore space inside. Robinson says that space is important, and if you can make the first guy miss, you have more opportunity to get yards. In the high scoring Big-12, Robinson says the Cyclones need to be prepared to outscore their opponents.
I.S.U. opens the season at home on September third.