No. 4: Questions about 2005

No. 4: Who will be Gerald Riggs' backup at running back?

Projecting a backup as an area of concern demonstrates the expectations of the 2005 season. With so many proven, talented players on UT's roster, second-team positions can be addressed. While there are more dire needs for the 2005 season, tailback depth is a serious concern given the rigors of an SEC schedule and UT's dedication to running the football.

No one will hear Riggs complain if he is forced to handle 100 percent of the 2005 carries. Riggs rushed for 1,107 yards last year and barely whispered of several minor injuries that hampered him last season as he competed for playing time with 1,005-yard rusher Cedric Houston, who was selected by the New York Jets in the sixth round of this month's NFL draft.

One competent backup tailback or more would help Riggs stay fresh in hot, humid early season SEC games at Baton Rouge, La., and Gainesville, Fla. A fresh Riggs would also benefit UT later in the season against Alabama, Notre Dame, and South Carolina.

UT coaches aren't looking for the balance they had last fall, just an "option" that can handle 25 percent of the carries. Most of all, UT's coaches would love a back that could distinguish himself, gain experience, and be a capable starter if Riggs suffers an injury.

Redshirt freshman Ja'Kouri Williams may end up being the perfect fit because of the way he could complement Riggs. Williams, a speedster, doesn't like hearing that he's a third-down back, but that might be his role in 2005. Williams can catch the football and is tough to tackle in open space. That would be a perfect change-up to Riggs who prefers to run between the tackles.

Arian Foster, who's 6-foot-1, 210 pounds, may finish his career at UT as a more complete back than the Williams (5-11, 190). However, Foster's glaring weakness is ball handling. Foster has a tendency to carry the ball away from his body with his hands instead of "high and tight". Continued improvement is necessary if Foster hopes to gain the trust of UT's coaches.

Running backs coach Trooper Taylor told Williams and Foster that spring practice was their chance to shine. This fall, UT coaches will take a hard look at incoming freshman LaMarcus Coker and Montario Hardesty when players return to the practice field. Coker is a bounce-it-outside, sweeping speed back with good cutback ability and vision. Hardesty displays a good combination of running styles and is more suited to running inside than Coker.

David Yancey received more than his fair share of spring practice praise but lacks the pedigree of his competitors. He will have to prove critics wrong that have labeled him as just a spring practice performer.

Prediction: Williams and Foster had their shot and didn't blow coaches or onlookers away in spring practice. There will likely be a committee of backs acting as Riggs backup this fall. If Riggs is injured, UT coaches have several combinations they can utilize. UT's backups are young and inexperienced but have plenty of talent.