Key Players for 2012: Tahj Kimble

This is a series on the key players for the 2012 season. Big things are expected for some, while others will need to improve over their previous performances. If 2012 is a good year, it will be in part due to the key players overachieving.




Sophomore Running Back, Tahj Kimble

What he's been: Kimble spent his first season of eligibility as a change of pace back. He only started one game and only ran for 156 yards. Kimble was more valuable as a returner on special teams. Kimble isn't as big as the other running backs but he's shifty and has decent speed. While his stats weren't impressive, his TD catch against Duke was the type of play that makes me think he has potential to be very good.

What he needs to be: We need a play maker. I don't know if Kimble will still be on special teams. I don't know if he will be given a chance to be an every down back. But there should be enough opportunity somewhere for Kimble to make a difference. He can use that potential and help BC's offense break out of its doldrums.

Why I like his chance to shine: Maybe I am grasping at straws or playing too much on the Logan-Martin connection, but I see Martin using Kimble like Logan used Andre Callender. With Logan, Callender became one of BC's best pass catching running backs. Using a RB in the passing game has been nonexistent since Logan left. It's a shame since it can be a great outlet for a maturing QB. If Martin is true to form and wants to  shake up the offense, he will throw the ball to Kimble.  And once he's established as a threat, that will open up other things around the field.

Most of the players I'm counting on are upperclassmen. But the odds say some of the younger guys will have big seasons too. I think Kimble could be one of those guys. The key will be his maturity and Martin finding a way to get him the ball.

Davies road to recovery and other links

This amazing story on Charlie Davies is a must read. Despite his serious injuries and multiple surgeries, Davies now has a chance to join his US teammates in South Africa for the World Cup.

BC added Tahj Kimble to the recruiting class. Like Montel Harris he is a running back from North Florida.

In this blog entry on Michigan, Andy Katz also touches on BC's troubles.

The Eagles didn't fret much about losing Tyrese Rice because he had a bit of an enigmatic personality and tended to drift. But what Rice could do, and had the respect to do it among his teammates, was get the Eagles refocused at times if the situation called for it. Biko Paris, who took over for Rice, doesn't have the demonstrative personality and neither does Reggie Jackson or Rakim Sanders. Senior Tyler Roche doesn't have that personality trait and neither does Joe Trapani. Yet, a lack of leadership in key moments has led to BC floundering in home games it should have won like against Rhode Island, Harvard and Maine.

Skinner keeps talking about our effort and consistency. I just want to see a Clemson game where we don't get behind by 20 points.