Young backs ready to shine?

Turnover at running back positions may be imminent
By "Bucky Katz"

Off-Season 2142 (Charlotte) - As another day of minicamp dawns for the Carolina Panthers, observers say that another day is dawning in the era of great Panthers running backs as well.

When Casey Hollis was acquired and paired at fullback with Rusty Mitchell, Carolina had the top two running backs from the previous season on their roster. While that was a dream matchup for Panthers fans, there are indications now that those veterans are being seriously pushed.

Enter Jeff Aldridge, nicknamed Ironhead because of his resemblance to a great running back of the previous century. Aldridge is a bull rusher that leaves tacklers in his wake. Jeff has been a backup fullback but is now pushing for a starting job, whether at fullback or even halfback where he would be the latest in a line of great, tough Carolina ball carriers.

Next is Johnny Cochran, whose motto is “if you don’t quit, you’ll play a bit.” Cochran has been the backup halfback the past few seasons but has been Johnny on the spot in minicamp in his bid to crack the starting lineup. Johnny is the better pass catcher of the young duo, which makes his talents more suited for halfback.

But the two old birds aren’t ready to give up their jobs yet.

“We are still the dynamic duo,” Mitchell said of him and Hollis. As they argued over which one was Batman and which Robin, Aldridge barreled through the defensive line on another long gainer on the practice field.

GM “Trader” Lee Remley was watching the practice field, and let out a whistle.

“That’s ram tough,” he commented to whoever would listen.

Whether it is tough enough will be a question to be answered in training camp.

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