Cyclones hope Robinson runs wild in a spread-type offense

AMES - It wasn't very long into Paul Rhoads' tenure when the head coach was head over heels for tailback Alexander Robinson.

Since those early spring practices in April, Rhoads has talked up his top tailback as a potential star in the making. Robinson has the skills - speed, strength, vision, elusiveness - that should help him thrive in a spread-type offense.

“I believe he has a chance to be a special player, especially in this system,” Rhoads said. “He can make people miss, he can run away from people. If we give him space he is going to be dangerous.”

Robinson, always humble, isn't selling his backfield mates short in what coaches have said will be more than a one-man show.

“I think it fits all of us,” said Robinson, who ran for 703 yards and six touchdowns as a sophomore last season. “Each of us brings something different to the table.”

The others are Johnny “Bo” Williams, who sat out all of 2008 after transferring from the University of Florida, and red-shirt freshman Jeremiah Schwartz.

Williams' last official carry was in a 2007 season-opening victory by Florida over Eastern Kentucky. He got three that day, ended up needing shoulder surgery and didn't suit up for the Gators again.

Former ISU coach Gene Chizik was big in getting Williams to come to Ames. Chizik's left for Auburn in December, leaving Williams behind.

“I didn't know what to do,” Williams said.

But he formed a bond with Rhoads immediately.

“He's great guy, a family guy,” Williams said. “I can talk to him about anything. Sometimes I even forget he's a coach. He's so down to Earth. I'm happy to be here. I don't regret anything I did.”

Williams has the look of a former Big 12 Conference running back who wore No. 34, sported dreadlocks and was about the same size as his 6-foot, 220-pound frame. They even share the same last name.

Bo Williams promises he has some of the attributes that Ricky Williams, no relation, had during his day. He's a change-up from Robinson, who is smaller and shiftier.

“I consider myself speed and power,” Williams said.

Schwartz has good agility, but his strength is, well, strength. The Orlando, Fla., product weighs 232 pounds and can move the pile.

Rhoads has said each of the three backs will have a role. He'd rather not have opponents used to tackling only one of theme.

“You are waiting for a move and then you get yourself trucked,” Rhoads said. “(Williams' and Schwartz') style is to run the ball hard. The faster they realize that the better our depth will be.”

No one can say Robinson isn't committed to living up to his lofty expectations. He woke up at 5:20 a.m. four days a week this summer for running and weightlifting. He'd go home, eat, do some school work, then watch TV or play video games before bedtime.

“That was my summer,” Robinson said.

Robinson has had some trouble staying healthy. He played through the pain last year and missed three full games as a freshman before a fantastic four-game stretch that ended the '07 season.

Durability is a trait Rhoads would really like to see.

“To be special you have to be there all the time,” he said. “The great backs play dang near every snap.”

-By Eric Petersen-