Denard Robinson is the No. 2 running back for Jacksonville Jaguars
By Dan Zinski
The Jacksonville Jaguars are going to pound the ball with Toby Gerhart as their #1 running back, and when they go for the change-up, Denard Robinson will be the man they call.
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After a healthy preseason competition between fifth-round pick Robinson and Jordan Todman, the Jaguars have placed the former Michigan QB at #2 on their depth chart behind Gerhart.
Jaguars offensive coordinator Jedd Fisch talked about the potential for Robinson to provide a needed change-of-pace from the bruising Gerhart (via the Florida Times-Union):
"“I hope so,” Fisch said. “My plan is for that to be the case. We’re certainly expecting him to. His speed is outstanding. He’s stronger and tougher, bigger and faster. All of that is really good. It’s exciting to watch him improve from Year One to Year Two.”"
Fisch talked about Robinson’s improvement in the preseason, particularly as a receiver:
"“I think Denard is getting more confident, more comfortable with the ball and holding onto the football,” Fisch said. “His ball security has improved. He’s catching the ball better. With that, I think he’s playing at a confident, higher level.”"
It’s probably a bit of a cliche to call Robinson the lightning to Gerhart’s thunder, but such phrases inevitably spring to mind when imagining the dynamic Jacksonville wants to get going between the two backs.
Gerhart has the potential to provide steady production as the #1, with Robinson coming in as a complementary threat and also giving you some different looks as a receiver.
You can bet Jacksonville will throw in the odd option pass for Robinson too. Might as well take advantage of those Michigan quarterbacking skills, modest as they may be.