Kenjon is the perfect back for the Oregon system in one way: he’s quick to the hole and he cuts upfield. His style is very efficient. He won’t bust as many tackles as LaMichael James, doesn’t have the spin moves or the jukes, but Kenjon is north-south in a hurry. A eyelash slower than his celebrated friend, he’s fast enough to get plenty of yards in the running game if the offensive line does its job.
And that’s the key. Barner will run to the hole and get the yardage that’s available, but Oregon’s offensive line has to block the play. They’ve got to get a helmet on ASU’s active linebackers and create a crease.
If the crease is there, consistently, Barner can do the rest. In the words of Rece Davis, “He doesn’t need a nickname, he’s just GONE. Gone, Kenjon Barner.”.
The rest of the pressure is on Darron Thomas. If he can get the passing game going, it’s much more likely KB, DAT and The Baby Rhino will have lanes to run. Kenjon will do his job. He’s tremendously reliable and consistent, and can be counted on to see the hole and explode into it, provided it’s there.
Add The Sports Daily to your Google News Feed!
