We play 8 ACC games. In the first 4 ACC games GT/FSU/UNC/VT:
Walton - 64 carries - 203 yds - 3.17 ypc - 1 TD. Longest run was 14 yards. Only had 2 runs that went for 10 yards.
Yearby - 38 carries - 237 yds - 6.23 ypc - 2 TD. Had 2 40+ runs
Had to go back and check the stats, but you're right, Walton was definitely the better of the two. Hard to argue for Yearby when you see the stats.
Yeah Walton definitely had some struggles.
The way he played down the stretch and the complete unknown of Homer is what baffles me about this thread. If you said Yearby, that would be understandable, but now suddenly Homer is a better back? Not just you obviously I'm speaking in general. Based on absolutely nothing. I just don't see it. Not that Walton can't be outplayed, but there's no logic being used with Homer, just simple "the guy on the bench is always better" mentality.
I'm with you. The backup is always the most popular player. I agree it's an argument that used too much.
My personal logic on Homer vs. Walton is this:
2016
RB1 - Walton was Richt's guy. Richt recruited him hard at Georgia. Walton was the starter from the get go when Richt arrived. When Walton struggled through those 5 games in October, Richt stuck with him and never cut back on Walton's carries, even when Yearby was outplaying him.
RB2 - Richt only liked using 2 RB's. When Yearby was getting carries, he wasn't using Gus. When Gus was getting carries, he wasn't using Yearby. It was a battle between Gus & Yearby to get carries, so Homer needed to obviously outplay them both to get any carries. I think Homer was in the mix, but his chances were done once he fumbled against FAMU. Richt hates fumbles. I think Richt figured I've got 2 good guys I trust in Yearby & Gus - so that's my
#2 &
#3 .
2017
RB1 - Walton is entrenched as the starter. So much like Yearby last year, I think even if Homer outplays Walton, Walton isn't losing any carries.
Athleticism - Homer is bigger, faster, more athletic. Lu said - Homer "popped" when he saw him in practices. He definitely "popped" watching him on Special Teams this year. Homer's ceiling is much higher, especially given where they are development wise at the same age....
Age - I believe right now (I could be wrong) that Walton is 20 years old and Homer is 17. He's at least 2 years younger than Walton. I think most people believe Walton is young for his class and Homer is the right age for his class - but the opposite is true.
So I'm projecting here......but much in the same way I'd project Jeff Thomas over Braxton Berrios. Berrios is our 2nd leading returning WR, and our returning Punt Returner. But just by watching Thomas highlights and seeing his athleticism, I think he'll outplay Berrios both as a WR and Punt Returner this year, even though Berrios has made some really good plays at both positions and has lots of experience vs. Thomas who has no experience. The talent/potential of Thomas outweighs the solid play/experience of Berrios IMO.
I'm making the same projection for Homer to outplay Walton, for pretty much the same reasons.