Imani Cross

[MichiganDad3]

I feel sorry for this kid. He is a great athlete with both size and speed. It seems like the coaches would find a way to get him on the field. Perhaps as a tight end, linebacker, or even as a defense end. Sadly, it is too late for a position change.

 

[True2tRA]

Not sure what the story is with Imani Cross. Seems to be a positive guy. He's either happy with his situation or good at hiding his frustration. Maybe he's just a really good teammate.

Every time he gets the ball he makes his case for more carries. Yet, he doesn't get them. Didn't with the last staff, and nobody got much of anything yesterday aside from Newby. I can't entirely disagree with the strategy yesterday, but I've always felt like Imani was more than good enough to be a part of this teams plans.

I guess we will see going forward.

 

[Guy Chamberlin]

That Bo Pelini and staff and Mike Riley and staff appear to agree on how to use Imani Cross suggests the limitations are his own.

It might be blocking issues, too, as mentioned on another thread.

If not a featured running back, he could continue to be a valued role player. The NFL still isn't out of the question.

 

[Kernal]

Imani has always displayed a great attitude when speaking with the media. But I don't think he's too much different from most other guys on the team who work hard without ever getting a ton of game time. I really like his running once he knows where he's going, but sometimes it seems he's a little bit indecisive and slow to get going. That could be why he's been used more for short-yardage situations when the run is more predetermined.

*edit: it was nice to see him score that TD yesterday on a good run.

 

[macroboy]

How many of these threads are you going to start? We get it. You love you some Imani Cross. You are not alone.

Two coaching staffs seem to see him as exactly what he is.

 

[RedRex]

Imani has always displayed a great attitude when speaking with the media. But I don't think he's too much different from most other guys on the team who work hard without ever getting a ton of game time. I really like his running once he knows where he's going, but sometimes it seems he's a little bit indecisive and slow to get going. That could be why he's been used more for short-yardage situations when the run is more predetermined.

*edit: it was nice to see him score that TD yesterday on a good run.

The spin move at first contact was pretty nifty too.

 

[True2tRA]

Two coaching staffs seem to see him as exactly what he is.

You may end up being right. At this point though, I don't know how the staff sees Imani. Clearly they like Newby above all else, but I'm interested to see how this RB situation shakes out. It's pretty early yet.

 

[Warrior10]

I've been/am hard on Cross but it really was nice to see him get in the end zone last night. Was a great move in the hole too. He's a great change of pace after a D has spent a whole game trying to corral Newby.

 

[lo country]

I think the previous staff convinced Imani to be something he wasn't. They didn't see the need for arbiter back and wanted guys who were "quicker" and more "shifty" IMO. The last time in recent history Bo used a thumper was prior to Quentin Castille getting dismissed. Cross seemed to try and become the quicker more shifty guy. Seemed like his Freshman year he ran behind his pads more and squared up.

For the record, I think he could be a featured back. More power running.

 

[Kernal]

Imani has always displayed a great attitude when speaking with the media. But I don't think he's too much different from most other guys on the team who work hard without ever getting a ton of game time. I really like his running once he knows where he's going, but sometimes it seems he's a little bit indecisive and slow to get going. That could be why he's been used more for short-yardage situations when the run is more predetermined.

*edit: it was nice to see him score that TD yesterday on a good run.

The spin move at first contact was pretty nifty too.

It was a great move.

I still remember a run from one of Imani's first games, it might have even been his first run. He runs right inside the tackle and pushes (launches) our RT into a defender to block him. He cuts left across the field and stiff arms one defender and stutter-steps another defender. Man, I was so impressed with that run.

*Edit: found the video, it was 2012 vs. Arkansas State:

 

[cornographic]

Real nice spin move on the TD. He's a junior, he'll continue to get more chances under Riley, I presume. Someone invariably gets injured @ the RB position, making room for others.

 

[Saunders]

I think the previous staff convinced Imani to be something he wasn't. They didn't see the need for arbiter back and wanted guys who were "quicker" and more "shifty" IMO. The last time in recent history Bo used a thumper was prior to Quentin Castille getting dismissed. Cross seemed to try and become the quicker more shifty guy. Seemed like his Freshman year he ran behind his pads more and squared up.

For the record, I think he could be a featured back. More power running.

Then why did Riley and Co have him slim down and lose 20-30 pounds this offseason?

 

[lo country]

I think the previous staff convinced Imani to be something he wasn't. They didn't see the need for arbiter back and wanted guys who were "quicker" and more "shifty" IMO. The last time in recent history Bo used a thumper was prior to Quentin Castille getting dismissed. Cross seemed to try and become the quicker more shifty guy. Seemed like his Freshman year he ran behind his pads more and squared up.

For the record, I think he could be a featured back. More power running.

Then why did Riley and Co have him slim down and lose 20-30 pounds this offseason?

I read that he lost the weight, but never heard if it was his decision the staff's. The below says he lost the weight to get quicker and got the coaches attention, but not that they had him lose the weight.

I just don't think Imani was or will ever be the "shifty" runner. He is smash mouth, off tackle runner.

http://journalstar.com/sports/huskers/cross-keeps-positive-outlook-loses-pounds/article_7b2396f5-4dec-598f-be6a-c5796c1f2f25.html

 

[Saunders]

I think the previous staff convinced Imani to be something he wasn't. They didn't see the need for arbiter back and wanted guys who were "quicker" and more "shifty" IMO. The last time in recent history Bo used a thumper was prior to Quentin Castille getting dismissed. Cross seemed to try and become the quicker more shifty guy. Seemed like his Freshman year he ran behind his pads more and squared up.

For the record, I think he could be a featured back. More power running.

Then why did Riley and Co have him slim down and lose 20-30 pounds this offseason?

I read that he lost the weight, but never heard if it was his decision the staff's.

On one of the HOL podcasts, they mentioned it was the staff.

 

[Warrior10]

Real nice spin move on the TD. He's a junior, he'll continue to get more chances under Riley, I presume. Someone invariably gets injured @ the RB position, making room for others.

He's a Sr.