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SoCalRAMatic
Okay, so they're both fast. I've wTched all the highlights from both Hendu and Akers and I think Hendu is a much greater threat. This threat is very important in the McVay O because of play action pass. It could be that Boise state blocked better than Florida St. so that Hendu ended up with better stats, but it's not close in my personal eye test. If Hendu has a problem with the playbook, the Rams should just get rid of him. Can't run an effective O if everyone doesn't do their job. If he was slow to get it he may be behind the eight ball because we have a new O C and things change. Dunno about that, but just based on running ability Hendu gets that first series.
I'm totally with you SoCal. I've watched all of the highlights and a bit more, I've heard from all of the analysts, and I'm not seeing what puts Henderson behind Akers at all.
They both possess phenomenal contact balance but I'd give the edge to Henderson here. They both have great speed but again the edge is to Henderson here with the unofficial 4.37 time and from what I can see on game tape. They both excel in the passing game.
Per PFF they were both really good at yards after contact. 3.9 of Akers' 4.9 yards per carry last season occurred after contact per PFF. (
Akers Link) But Henderson was otherworldly in that metric and the related yards per carry metric. In 2018, Henderson averaged 8.9 yards per carrying which was the most since at least 2000. But some people say it's because he had a great OL. However, the yards after contact disposes of that argument. Henderson’s 2018 season ranks first in yards after contact per attempt at 6.16 and his 2017 season ranks second at 5.60 since PFF started tracking college players in 2014. Akers' 3.9 is very good; Henderson's 6.16 is nearly 60% better! (
Henderson Link)
I think Akers is better in pass pro but Hendo holds his own.
Henderson's negatives seem to be he's a bit smaller than Akers, he got dinged up last year, and the word is he struggled with the playbook. Given that he hasn't had injury problems in the past and headed into his 2nd season with experience with the playbook now, I think he stands a good chance of putting the latter two problems behind him. If he does, I agree with your assessment: he'll be every bit as good as Akers!
The Rams having 2 high-quality RBs is a great problem to have!
