Does DJ Monroe Enhance our Offensive Identity?

Word around the 40 Acres today is that DJ Monroe is going to play a larger role in the Texas offense. B.O.R. is skeptical of just how "large" this role will prove to be, but we're excited about this development and welcome the news. DJ possesses game-breaking speed and the threat of his speed will do wonders for both our running and passing games, if he is deployed properly and frequently.

Any back who poses a "home run" threat to a defense inherently causes that defense to play just slightly less aggressive and on their heels, as linebackers and safeties must always be aware of where this dangerous weapon is on the field. A defense's first task is to prevent the big play, and when a D identifies a Monroe on the field (much as D's did when Jamaal or Ramonce, not to mention Vince, played here), its going to inevitably worry about his speed and thus will not be as effective stopping the interior run, nor will it be as effective in coverage since many defenses will play more zone so as to avoid turning their backs on the speedster. Having Monroe on the field more often will allow for slightly more space between the tackles for Fozzy, Tre, and Cody, and it will also allow our receivers more freedom to run into space left vacant by LB's and S's terrified of what DJ is doing.

We really hope that Monroe is deployed effectively (sending him in motion and snapping the ball as he moves past the tackle in the shallow backfield is a great way to a) get DJ going on a quick reverse, b) open up misdirection opportunities for our RB's and c) give Gilbert more opportunity to succeed in play-action down the field) and frequently. How many touches Monroe actually gets is less important than how many reps he gets. Just having him on the field will open up this offense immensely, and Saturday against UCLA is the perfect time to unveil and unleash this criminally underutilized talent....it gives the Sooners and Huskers an extra element to think about also.

What's everyone think about DJ Monroe being more involved in the offense? Leave your comments below and we'll reference you in our next spine-tingling podcast. The guess is here is that most of you agree with us.