GSU Running Backs Preview

Ab Kuuan returns for his senior year and figures to have an even bigger presence on the field for the Grambling State Tigers in 2006. Kuuan has averaged over 5 yards a carry for Grambling over the past two seasons, and has his eyes locked into becoming Grambling’s first 1,000 yard back since Brad Hill in 2001. Kuuan’s ability to hit the holes quick and absorb defenders first hit, has given SWAC defenders the “blues” since 2003. Kuuan has a combination of speed and strength that will continue to raise eye brows each time he touches the rock. He runs hard on each play, and never stops until the whistle is blown. However, the knock on Kuuan is that he tends to dance a little too much, which sometime results in loss of yards. He also doesn’t have the type of separation speed that you’d like your feature back to have. Nevertheless, Kuuan is a productive back that knows how to follow his blockers, has excellent cutback ability, and seems to have a knack for picking the right hole to run through. Reuben Mayes is a tremendous talent that the fans of Grambling haven’t seen enough off. Mayes missed 6 games last season, however, caught the game clinching touchdown in last seasons Bayou Classic victory. When Mayes blocks, it’s extremely similar to a train running its course. Either you move, or you flat out get ran over! If Mayes plays the entire year, look for opposing teams to start bringing bottles of Aspirin and Tylenol for their defensive players. Landry Carter, Keantwon Gray, Shearwin Jessie, and Terrion Rogers provide depth for this unit.