He asked for a RS so he could work on himself and become the best RB he could be. Had nothing to do with the talent ahead of him. He wanted to work on his lower body strength and conditioning.
100% in agreement here. This year showed a lot of what Cross lacks. My biggest thing that I can't stand about Cross, is his lack of field vision.
I think AT knows he can be an every-down back. He would have got very limited carries this year with Ameer still here. Save that year of eligibility, become THE every-down back after Ameer leaves, and have three years of eligibility instead of only two.
Even with Ameer here next year, nothing eye opening was shown behind Ameer and Taylor has a GREAT chance in becoming that backup. Of course, all of this is talk and we will only see come next season!
Still really wish that Cross could become "that guy". To date, not enough speed to be a home run threat, but would love it if he ran "angry". He is a hoss. Not as fast as Gurley, but if he ran with authority, he could be very good at getting tough yards and possibly breaking some and would be scary for a DB to get in the open field. Seems to run "slower" than he is and slightly timid for such a solid guy. Again, he could be a guy that we could really use in the later stages of the game to really lean on and pound the DL. Can't remember the last time NU had a big effective back. Still hoping Cross becomes that guy. Seems like we have speedy, shifty, quick etc, but not that bruiser.
He's two years ahead of AT. I'm sorry, but I just don't believe he redshirted simply to get better. That it had nothing to do with the fact that he wouldn't play ahead of Imani or Terrell. I just don't buy it. I'm not saying he's a bad player or will never get better, I'm just saying that Imani has the leg up on the backup spot having been in the program for two seasons and having contributed in both of those seasons.
I was one who thought Cross would be that #2 back who would get a lot of carries this year. I hope and wish that any/every player can be that guy on our roster, but he just isn't living up to the hype. Guy is a WORKHORSE off the field, it just needs to flow on the field too. During this break, he needs to work on his mechanics. His footwork and learn to be patient and look for holes in the line are the two biggest things, in my opinion.
I am not telling you to buy it, I am simply stating what Taylor said himself on why he RS'ed. I would completely agree that Imani has an upperhand on Taylor for having some on the field experience, but I highly doubt its going to put him that much further ahead of Taylor. Especially when the experienced Cross only had 31 more carries than our inexperienced True FS Newby. Had Newby held onto the ball more, he would have had just as many, if not more carries than Cross.
It honestly might have to do more with his groin injury. He didn't look to be close to 100% in that game. I would like to see someone back there who isn't on our 1st team offense. Newby, if he can hold onto the ball and Alonzo Moore mabye?
It has been discussed in other forums that Cross has stated he is not leaving. He loves it at NU.
Kids usually don't think about the depth in front of them when they look at colleges. They think that they can beat out any other player and that they won't be sitting much. That's why you see so many kids transfer after a year or two. These kids have been pampered and told how great they are for their whole life, and then when they have to face competition for playing time, they transfer as soon as they are beat out by someone better.