Originally posted by Phinstd
Well said CK that is exactly what I was going to say.
One other note, running high exposes your midsection more which is more apt to get you injured with a straight on hit. A player is more apt to fumble running high because he isn't lower wrapped around the ball and protecting.
Running high only increases your vision because you could see over people. At 6-1 and most D-lineman being much taller than that, it negates the advantage entirely.
Rb's use their instincts to run the ball, however it may be. There are those that have had troubles once they arrived in the NFL, so coaches do whatever it takes to try and make him better. Things like trying to change his style of running, ALA JJ Johnson.
There is no proof that running upright is the wrong way too run!
NFL History IMO says it all!
Eric Dickerson, Terrell Davis, and Jim Brown, three of the all-time greatest, tell me any style works for the right person.
Most of the upright Rb's use the outside to find their running lanes, which by the time there ready to cut back into them, the D-lineman are not all bunched up, plus their engaged with someone, which means however big they are, they're not standing up.
Good vision is all about seeing the lanes open up, being more upright when going thru the first hole helps slightly to see what the Lb's and DB's are doing, to avoid them. Rb's with that low center of gravity probably care a little less about this because they're looking to hit the Lb's and Db's coming thru the holes.
Now take a Rb like Curtis Martin, he is more of a low center guy, that uses his instincts, and vision to counter my post perfectly.
Instincts, Vision, toughness, talent are just a few things that make up a great player, not staying at low center, more upright, etc., etc..
I think Leonard Henry possesses those qualities, now lets see if he can use them in the NFL................