[EKUAlum05]

It seems anytime that someone mentions how great of a back either Dials or Grimm is, then ultimately the debate starts up again.

Earleir in the year i stated that at the end of the season after wathcing both backs play, I would post my toughts on who I feel is the better back. So here it goes....

For argument sake, lets compare JC/SC, then we'll throw in Belfry's Lee and May...

JOHNSON CENTRAL (10 games reported)
Grimm: 174 carries, 1384 yards, 25 TD ( 8.0 yards per carry, TD every 7 carries)
Dillon: 94 carries, 662 yards, 9 TD
Richardson: 94 carries, 593 yards, 10 TD

SHELDON CLARK (11 games reported)
Dials: 304 carries, 2185 yards, 29TD ( 7.2 yards per carry, TD every 10.5 carries)

So as we see by the numbers, Dials has had nearly twice the number of carries as Grimm, and Grimm has also had to share carries with two very successful backs. Yet Grimm has a better ypc average and better TD per carry average. If we apply Grimm's averages to Dials' numbers he would have:

Grimm's adjusted statistics using Dials number of carries:
304 carries, 2432 yards, 43 TD's. That would be 247 yards more, and 14 TD more.

It is also worth noting that Grimm has played a considerably tougher schedule than Dials. Additionally, Grimm has missed quite a bit of action with injury this season.

Now, let's throw in May and Lee....

BELFRY
May (8 games played): 114 carries, 1071 yards, 17 TD ( 9.4 ypc, TD every 6.7 carries)
Lee (10 games): 78 carries, 878 yards, 11 TD (11.3 ypc, TD every 7.1 carries)

May and Lee adjusted to 304 carries:
May: 304 carries, 2857 yards, 45 TD
Lee: 304 carries, 3435 yards, 43 TD

Once again, against a much tougher schedule, the Belfry backs have much better averages than Dials as well, in fact their averages are the best of the lot. May has compiled some very impressive numbers despite spending the last half of the year banged up

What I am trying to convey is this, Dials is a great back and 200 yards is a very impressive feat, but to simply qualify him as the BEST PLAYER based on stats alone (as several SC supporters have done) is an inaccurate science.

Dials- Tough runner, great balance, reads/sets up blocks well. He seems to have the better ability to break tackles, and is a much more durable runner. Good size and maintains an excellent pad level. Lacks speed, gets discouraged when he starts to struggle and doesn't run with the same intensity.

Grimm- Very quick agile runner. Has excellent speed once he turns the corner. Excellent balance and very versatile back that is dangerous passing, receiving, and returning kicks. Lacks size and ability to break loose tackles.

They really are two completely different backs, but both are VERY good backs. Grimm is much more dangerous on the ouside or in the open field, he also gives you more options with his versatility. Dials is the definition of an every down back, and though Grimm has the ability to explode on good teams for 300 yards, I feel Dials is a more consistent player.

In all honesty I think they are about equal, but if I had to choose I'd prefer Grimm with his versatility and speed.