UConn Profits From Running Back Ron Johnson's Hard Work (J. Jacobs)

[huskymedic]

UConn Profits From Running Back Ron Johnson's Hard Work

>>"This guy approaches the day differently than he did. It has always been there. His family is that way. They're hard-working, awesome, full-on, passionate, tough people. Ron worked at that level, came to college and like all young college kids, got to go to class, different place, grew up where the average temperature was 80 degrees, now the average temperatures is much less than that. "He's just now settling in to really who he is in his DNA as a professional, mature worker."<<

>>"He studies the game. He's studying his plays," Diaco said. "He's very coachable. There is no excuse-making. There's full-on accountability. It's like you're talking to a professional, grown performer about how to get better. He's taking it like that and putting it into action. I'm so proud of him. Big things ahead for Ron."<<

>>"I don't like to take credit for the man I've become. I thank Coach Diaco as well as [strength and conditioning coach Matt Balis] and [running backs coach David Corley] for the extra push. It's paying off.<<

 

[coachRD]

UConn Profits From Running Back Ron Johnson's Hard Work

>>"This guy approaches the day differently than he did. It has always been there. His family is that way. They're hard-working, awesome, full-on, passionate, tough people. Ron worked at that level, came to college and like all young college kids, got to go to class, different place, grew up where the average temperature was 80 degrees, now the average temperatures is much less than that. "He's just now settling in to really who he is in his DNA as a professional, mature worker."<<

>>"He studies the game. He's studying his plays," Diaco said. "He's very coachable. There is no excuse-making. There's full-on accountability. It's like you're talking to a professional, grown performer about how to get better. He's taking it like that and putting it into action. I'm so proud of him. Big things ahead for Ron."<<

>>"I don't like to take credit for the man I've become. I thank Coach Diaco as well as [strength and conditioning coach Matt Balis] and [running backs coach David Corley] for the extra push. It's paying off.<<

Great piece with encouraging information! Quite the mature, appreciative outlook the young man seems to have!

 

[Nostical]

Ron Johnson looked different and was faster and quicker yesterday than at any time I've observed him before. He could have a huge year behind our improved O-Line. I sat with the Coach from Everett MA High during the game yesterday and after it was over I asked him who was most impressive to his coaching eye. Ron Johnson was #1. Billy Williams, Frank Battle, Cameron Stapelton--who reminded him of Jason Taylor of the Dolphins when he was in college at Akron. He loved Justin Wain during practice booming and turning over his punts, but noticed a bit of a fall off during game. Liked our O-Line especially several of the double team sets he kept pointing out. He's looking forward to a big year from the Huskies. We also talked about BC--lol--just what you'd expect. And he said he can't wait for his QB, Jordan McAfee to start playing in 2017 with "this talent".

 

[huskypantz]

I've been a fan of Johnson and was of course disappointed with his regression last season. A RB is always easier to tackle if they don't hit the hole hard. Ron seemed tentative last season, too much dancing and indecision. Improvement in the OL can change the style of a RB in a heartbeat. When you expect something to open where it's supposed to open, you want to get to the spot at full speed. It's nice to see him productive outside the tackles but he's going to be critical inside the tackles as that is not Arkeel's game. We need 2 or 3 guys who can get meaningful carries. Maybe #3 is Thompson or one of the newcomers, but having Arkeel and RJ fill two of those spots is key.

 

[BlueDogs]

Not sure how you train good field vision and instincts into a running back. Not a big fan of RJ. Great backs get by with poor execution and are productive. Average backs require good execution to be productive.

 

[Confident Carl]

After seeing RJ's explosiveness Saturday then reading his quotes, it appears that physical and mental maturity combined with great coaching, nutrition and OL improvement will = success in 2016!

 

[bmayuc]

He ran HARD yesterday to the edge. Someone got in his ear and told him that he needs to run at 100%, make sharp cuts, and he took it to heart. excited to see him progress this year.

 

[Excalibur]

Not sure how you train good field vision and instincts into a running back. Not a big fan of RJ. Great backs get by with poor execution and are productive. Average backs require good execution to be productive.

Why was he clearly our best back as a freshman?

 

[BlueDogs]

Why was he clearly our best back as a freshman?

You're guess is as good as any. He was struggling big time to get to the edge, had no cut back against flow and no vision. I'm glad there is such great improvement. My point was usually excellent backs have a special ability to see things and make their own yardage even when blocking is not executed. That is something that is hard to teach. So, good on the staff and RJ if its sustains and translates to in game full speed play.

 

[uconndogs]

I honestly wondered if he was hurt last season. Pure speculation.......

 

[ZOOCONN]

I honestly wondered if he was hurt last season. Pure speculation..

or discouraged that newsome was the feature back, that might be the source of the maturity phrase from HCBD