Several NFL teams operate their running games on platoon systems — dividing carries between multiple running backs.
The 2010 NFL Draft is just two days away, and former LSU running back Charles Scott will fit effectively into that type of offense, said local draft analyst Mike Detillier.
“He’s a good football player — no question about it,” Detillier said. “I like his straight-line running skills and power between the tackles. He’s got a great shot to get a lot of playing time in the NFL, not as a starter, but in the platoon role.”
Scott’s big physique and bruising style will pair nicely with a “speed guy” in an NFL backfield, Detillier said. He predicted Scott will be a late fourth-round or early fifth-round selection.
“Platoon football is taking its toll on the draft status of running backs,” Detillier said. “You’re not getting that back who can carry the football 22 times a game for a 16-game season. [Scott] looks like a northeast back, a good fit for a team like Pittsburgh, New England or the Giants or the Jets.”
Former LSU coach Nick Saban originated the platoon system in the NFL when he coached the Miami Dolphins in the 2005 and 2006 seasons, Detillier said.
“Nick Saban started it with Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams, and the Giants tripled that with Derrick Ward, [Ahmad] Bradshaw and Brandon Jacobs,” he said. “Now everybody is copying that.”
Phyllis Scott, Charles Scott’s mother, said the prospect of her son starting a professional career this year is almost surreal.
“It’s something he’s hoped and dreamed of for a long time,” she said. “I keep pinching myself because you can’t really believe it’s happening. I’m excited, but I’m also anxious and ready for it to be over.”
Charles Scott’s senior season at LSU was cut short in the Tigers’ Nov. 7 game against Alabama when he broke his collarbone after a 34-yard run in the third quarter, his longest carry of the year.
The Jonesboro-Hodge High School alumnus finished his career fourth in LSU history in touchdowns with 32 and seventh in rushing yards with 2,317.
Phyllis Scott said her son’s pain after the injury was difficult for her to bear.
“I was like, ‘Is it a neck injury? How bad is he hurt?'” she said. “Charles looked at me with these sad eyes and said he was done for the season. Just to see that hurt look in his eyes, I started crying. He wanted to go out on a high note doing something he loves to do.”
Detillier said Charles Scott’s health is fine, but the running back needs to become more versatile by developing his skills as a receiver.
“You’d like to see him out in the stretch catching the football and making something happen in space,” Detillier said. “He’s a bit of a body-snatcher — he likes to let the ball get real close and snag it up against his chest. He has to learn to catch the ball a little bit cleaner out front with his hands and not up against his body.”
Phyllis Scott said her hope for her son in the draft is for him to be be happy with whatever team picks him.
“Of course I’m a Saints fan, and I’ve always been a Dallas Cowboys fan,” Phyllis Scott said. “[Charles] actually hates the Cowboys. I just want him to go where he’s going to be happy. You have to trust God and stay humble and have faith that things will work out.”—-Contact Rachel Whittaker at [email protected].