USF Offense Has to Get Lindsey Lamar More Involved in 2012

The Bulls went 5-7 last season and in several games, the offense seemed to hit a brick wall, unable to move the ball when they need it the most.  The team is looking for a spark this spring and senior running back Lindsey Lamar, when used correctly, could be the big play maker this season if the Bulls are able to feed him the ball.

The 5-9 164-pound speedster out of Hillsborough High School right here in Tampa is one, if not the fastest player, on the Bulls roster.  He has been a stand out in track throughout his career and has made big splashes in special teams over the years, but his speed could be a difference maker this season.  

Over his career, Lamar has been a running back, moving to wide receiver last season, but has moved back to running back this season (helping add depth to a need position for the Bulls).  Lamar has made his biggest impact on the team in the special teams department, being the primary kick returner for USF.  While he has the speed needed to be a difference maker, his size has always been a issue.  At just 164-pounds, he is not the biggest player on the field, but if he is used in the slot, in isolation, or designed plays, he can produce and improve on his numbers that he has posted over the past two seasons. 

Lamar carried the ball 12 times for 49 yards in 2010.  He caught 25 passes for 161 yards.  He made the biggest impact on special teams, returning the ball 34 times for 903 yards and 2 touchdowns (26.6 yards per return), his biggest return was the 100-yard return against Louisville that was a big time factor in that game.  Last season, he got more carries, but less receptions after moving to wide receiver (doesn't make that much sense).  He carried the ball 17 times for 150 yards (long of 33 yards).  He caught 11 passes for 157 yards and scored 3 touchdowns.  He returned 40 kick returns for 817 yards (20.4 yards per return) and had a long return of 62 yards.

Lamar's numbers were solid, even though his explosiveness in the kick return game seemed slightly down, but he can do so much more.  His speed gives the ability to break big runs and create big plays for the offense, Fitch just has to find creative ways to get the ball in his hands in space and let his legs do the work.

Now that he is back in the backfield, look for the offense to create plays designed for him.  Whether its options, screen passes designed for him in space, or using him out of the slot or motioning out of the backfield, the coaching staff has to get him more involved and let his speed create nightmares for opponents.