2009 Football Roster Analysis l RB

RBs

Updated: 9.01.09
Click position icons above to get detailed positional analysis
Full Roster l Coaches

#	Name	Ht.	Wt.	Cl.	Hometown	Exp.	RS
2	Robert Elliott	6-0	195	SO.	Okolona, MS (Okolona HS)
8	Montrell Conner	6-2	215	TFR.	Monroe, LA (Ouachita Parish)
23	Sylvester Hemphill	5-9	230	RFR.	Olive Branch, MS (Olive Branch HS)
24	Anthony Dixon	6-1	235	SR.	Jackson, MS (Terry HS)
27	LaDarius Perkins	5-10	195	TFR.	Greenville, MS (St. Joseph)
29	Christian Ducre	6-0	220	SR.	LaCombe, LA (Fontainbleau HS)
30	Arnil Stallworth	5-9	205	RFR.	Daphne, AL (Daphne HS)
35	Patrick Hanrahan	5-11	225	JR.	Springville, AL (Alabama)
43	William Shumpert	6-0	238	TFR.	Fulton, MS (Itawamba Agricultural)
45	Adrian Marcus	5-9	215	FR.	Alabaster, AL (Thompson HS)
47	Allen Tolbert	5-11	230	FR.	Duluth, GA (Nothview HS)

Total # of Players: 11
FR.	7	SO.	1	JR.	1	SR.	2

2009 Positional Analysis

If you’re looking for the talent on the MSU offense, you’ll find it in backfield. The Bulldogs have experience and depth on the roster when it comes to running backs. Headlining the group is Anthony Dixon followed by fellow seniors Christian Durce’ and Arnil Stallworth and they are all expected to contribute this season. When sophomore Robert Elliott is added to the mix this quartet will provide a variety of options and skills sets for Dan Mullen to call upon.

Behind the top four you’ll find freshmen Montrell Conner and LaDarius Perkins who are likely redshirt candidates, but have the talent to play in 2009 if needed.

Patrick Hanrahan and Sylvester Hemphill will fill the role of fullback for the Bulldogs. Both are very physical and can certainly help get the extra yard in goal-line situations.

Make no mistake about it… this is the group that Dan Mullen will turn to when he has to make things happen.

2009 Post Spring Player Analysis

2 Robert Elliott

6-0

195

RFR.

High School Rankings:

ESPN

Rivals

Scout

Year	Catches	Rec yds	Carries	Yards	Avg	TDs
2009	0	0	0	0	0	0
2008	4	53	18	61	3.4	1
Career	4	53	18	61	3.4	1

The Mississippi product has return to the field 100 percent after suffering major ligament damage a season ago. He missed the majority of spring workouts due to rehab associated with the knee but has shown the coaching staff he is ready for action this fall.

It doesn’t appear that he has lost a step, but you can never be absolutely sure until a player takes the field on Saturday. The mental aspects of an injury like his can always slinger despite being physically ready to perform.

You can expect to see Elliott in the backfield or lined up as a slot receiver. He has the type of play making ability State needs to have on the field, so look for Dan Mullen to get him the ball in a variety of ways.

24 Anthony DIXON

6-1

235

SR.

High School Rankings:

ESPN

Rivals

Scout

Year	Catches	Rec yds	Carries	Yards	Avg	TDs
2009	0	0	0	0	0	0
2008	20	117	197	869	4.4	7
2007	14	167	287	1,066	3.7	14
2006	4	42	169	668	4.0	9
Career	38	326	653	2,603	4.0	30

Entering week one questions remain in regards to Dixon ’s availability stemming from a DUI arrest over the summer. Coach Mullen hasn’t indicated if State’s star will be forced to sit out the opener as a form of punishment. In all likelihood we will not know until 2:34 on Saturday.

When Dixon does take the field you will find a RB that is in the best condition of his career. He is lighter, stronger, and focused on redeeming himself. Nothing helps a player gather his focus like knowing this is his “money year”. If he gets it done this season he has a chance at the next level…and no one knows that more than Dixon .

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29 Christian DUCRE'

6-0

220

SR.

High School Rankings:

ESPN

Rivals

Scout

Year	Catches	Rec yds	Carries	Yards	Avg	TDs
2009	0	0	0	0	0	0
2008	13	112	56	222	4.0	2
2007	16	83	112	487	4.3	3
Career	29	195	168	709	4.2	5

The quiet, soft spoken Ducre’ is considered by many to be MSU’s most dependable back. He brings his hardhat to practice everyday and gives maximum effort. He isn’t as speedy as Stallworth or Elliott but has more power between the tackles.

Where Ducre’ may provide his worth his willingness to run downhill. While Dixon has a habit of dancing behind the line of scrimmage, Ducre’ isn’t afraid to stick his nose in the hole and plunge forward, fighting for whatever yards he can get.

You will see Ducre’ on the field in many two-back sets.

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30 Arnil STALLWORTH

5-9

205

SR.

High School Rankings:

ESPN

Rivals

Scout

Year	Catches	Rec yds	Carries	Yards	Avg	TDs
2009	0	0	0	0	0	0
2008	23	273	12	50	4.2	1
2007	10	68	4	21	5.3	0
2006	13	75	43	137	3.2	1
Career	46	416	59	208	3.5	2

Stallworth is just six months removed from a knee surgery that would have kept most sidelined for the season. After talking with trainers, Stallworth’s return is about as fast as humanly possible.

Stallworth provides speed, power, and versatility to the Bulldog’s offense. You can expect Stallworth to excel in Mullen’s spread offense because he presents challenges for defenders. He can catch the ball out of the backfield, run between the tackles or bounce the ball outside. Stallworth is certainly not a one dimensional RB and that gives him an edge in this offense.

35 Patrick HANRAHAN

5-11

225

JR.

High School Rankings:

ESPN

Rivals

Scout

Year	Catches	Rec yds	Carries	Yards	Avg	TDs
2009	0	0	0	0	0	0
Career	0	0	0	0	0	0

If you’re giving the ball to Dixon or Ducre’ and need a yard for the first down… Hanrahan will be on the field to clear the way. As you might expect from a fullback, he seems to enjoy the contact and the grind that is forced upon the position. He is also a threat to get open in the flat in the passing game. Oh, and if you’re looking for a guy who will hit on special teams… Hanrahan is your guy!

23 Sylvester HEMPHILL

5-9

230

RFR.

High School Rankings:

ESPN

Rivals

Scout

Year	Catches	Rec yds	Carries	Yards	Avg	TDs
2009	0	0	0	0	0	0
Career	0	0	0	0	0	0

If you see Hemphill in the game don’t assume he is in just to block for the RBs. He is a threat to carry the ball himself. During the spring he impressed the coaching staff with his toughness while running the football. He simply refused to go down until he reached the goal line. You’ll also see Hemphill as a major contributor on special teams.

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