Can Ryan McCants, Jeremy Francis, and Jacquizz Rodgers do what Yvenson Bernard did in 2007 in 2008?

That's the question. All three running backs possess different styles. McCants is a strong, physical back that reminds a lot of people of Steven Jackson.  He practiced with the first string throughout spring, and looks to have the job heading into fall camp. Jeremy Francis may have the most resemblance to Yvenson Bernard. The 5-11 junior is a tough, side-to-side type runner who is also a good pass receiver. And then there is the 5-7 Jacquizz Rodgers, who many are calling a "scatback". Jacquizz rushed for 8,245 career yards in high school, the sixth highest ever in the state of Texas. The man can run, but the question will be if he can out-run Pac-10 defenses. His brother did it last year, so we can only hope Jacquizz duplicates.

You may remember that when Yvenson Bernard was tossed into the system in 2004 as a freshman, hardly had any carries. But with the departure of Steven Jackson, Yve became "the man" in 2005 and rushed for a career-best 1321 yards his sophomore year. Check out Bernard's stats:

It's also interesting to note that Yvenson averaged 4.4 yards per carry in 2005, 2006, and 2007. Consistency.

If I was a coach and I had a back who would gain four and a half yards every time I gave him the ball, I'd be thrilled.

Who is going to give us those yards this season?

GO BEAVERS!

--JB-- 

We'll start with the bad news first.

In what has turned into an unfortunate chain of events, Yvenson Bernard failed his physical exam with the St. Louis Rams. Whether this brings an end to his chances for a NFL or not, we don't know, but it's definitely a step backwards.

On the other hand, another former Beaver, Steven Jackson, is prospering in St. Louis.

After promising a 2,500 yard season and delivering 1,002 in a season plagued with injury, Jackson hopes to be one of the top backs in the country this year.

The Rams have added a new offensive coordinator, Al Saunders. And Saunders plans to run the offense through Steven:

via assets.espn.go.com

"The real good backs that I've been around -- Chuck Muncie, Marcus Allen, Marshall Faulk, Priest Holmes, Larry Johnson -- have all been three-dimensional backs," Saunders said. "Steven is in that class. He is a unique player."

Saunders sees in Jackson an authoritative and powerful runner with outstanding speed, excellent hands and good blocking skills. He also sees an improving route runner, an asset not always associated with 230-pound running backs.

"When you get somebody of his stature and his physical makeup, with his speed and his ability to run, catch and block, you are only limited by your own imagination in terms of what you can do with a player like that," Saunders said.

The last time Saunders was with the Rams, in 2000, the team scored 540 points. Faulk was the NFL's most dynamic offensive threat, scoring 26 touchdowns.

For the rest of the article, click here.

GO BEAVERS!

--JB--