.png)
_edited_edited.png)
TCU head coach Sonny Dykes has found his running back coach as the school announced the hiring of Jimmy Smith. Smith held the same position with Arkansas from 2020 through 2023.
With the Horned Frogs running Dykes’ Air Raid offense, the running back is not the focus of the offense. However, they are an integral part of the scheme. Whether it is gaining yards in a change-of-pace play call, blocking, or being a check-down receiver, the running backs get their fair number of targets and touches during the game.
In 2023 the Horned Frogs ranked 70th in the nation averaging 154.5 rushing yards per game. That has more to do with the pass-happy offense Dykes runs than it does with the quality of players in the run game. The backs accounted for 11% of the Horned Frogs’ receptions with Emani Bailey leading the way with 25 catches for 184 yards and one touchdown.
Who Is Jimmy Smith
Jimmy Smith spent the previous four seasons at Arkansas where he worked with current TCU offensive coordinator Kendall Briles from 2020-2022. During that time the Razorbacks saw an increase in average rushing yards per game from 151.3 in 2020 to 227.8 in 2021 and 236.7 in 2022. The 2023 Razorbacks saw a significant dip in production, dropping down to 86th in the nation with 139.0 yards per game. With Smith and Briles reconnecting perhaps the run game will be more productive at TCU in 2024 than at Arkansas in 2023.
.png)
.png)
Comments