It's clear that Imani Cross is the most misused player on the team.I hate that whenever he comes into the game, we usually dial up 3 straight pass plays and settle for a punt. The guy can be an every down back if used correctly.
I'd disagree. How is it clear that he is the most misused guy on the team? Part of the problem with Cross was we would bring him in on 2nd or 3rd and 3-4 and the D knew we were going to give it to him up the gut, imo. And I have no idea how you think he could be an every down back at this point. Now don't get me wrong, I love the attitude and work ethic he brings to the program, but he isn't an every down back RIGHT NOW. He doesn't have the vision, acceleration, break a way speed needed yet. Now I thought in the first couple games that he showed dramatic improvement in these areas, but he lost it vs quality opponents. Now as was mentioned he might have been injured, and if that is the case I don't fault him.
I guess I'm probably one of very few who see Cross as an every down back. IMO he's extremely misused because like I said, many times, Ameer will get 4 or 5 carries straight up the gut, we'll be chipping our way down the field, and we'll be at about midfield. Then they'll bring in Cross, go to shotgun formation, and most of the time dial up 3 pass plays that don't even use play action, and punt. When we do give him the ball, we send him on a stretch play or a sweep. For him to be successful, he needs to be run downhill on quick-hitting run plays. He's a power back, but Beck tries to use him like he's Barry Sanders.
That's my observations I guess. I agree that he has looked pretty hesitant at times, but he's also shown flashes of being very dynamic.