Middle Tennessee State University Athletics
Mobley growing more confident in backfield
10/21/2020 6:00:00 PM | Football
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — After starting the season with back-to-back tough outings, Middle Tennessee's offense has found its footing the last four weeks, and so has running back Chaton Mobley.
The redshirt junior bruiser at one time didn't even expect to run the ball much this season. However, now halfway through, he leads the team's running backs in carries, yards and touchdowns.
"He's a good player, and he's practiced well," head coach Rick Stockstill said. "He's got good hands … and he's been running the ball hard with a purpose. He just has to continue to build on that."
Over the past four games, Mobley has taken 11 carries per game for an average 68.5 yards, scoring five touchdowns (two receiving) over that span. It culminated in his best game of the season last week against North Texas, where he rushed 14 times for 156 yards and scored a rushing and receiving touchdown.
His steady work increase has given the Blue Raiders another weapon to utilize around redshirt junior quarterback Asher O'Hara. It's had a positive impact on the team's offense, which has gone from averaging 212.5 yards and seven points over its first two games to 435.75 yards and 29.5 points over the last four.
"As the season's starting to go along, I've started to find myself, and the running game will continue to get better," Mobley said. "We're going to throw out everything that doesn't work and keep the things that work … and perfect it."
During fall camp, Mobley was anticipating moving from running back to H-back to play more of a tight-end-type role. But, with two running backs opting out before the season started, Mobley was forced back into the backfield, where he feels most comfortable.
"It really wasn't a hassle to go back to running back," he said. "The experience I had playing running back never left me. … I'm just trying to keep doing what I do."
Having time in the offseason to run more routes has paid dividends for Mobley this season. He's snared two receiving touchdowns, including a beautiful one-handed grab for the game's first score against North Texas.
"He's a really special player," O'Hara said. "He's still got all of those traits of being a good receiver. I know whenever I can get the ball to him … that he's going to make a play.
"He's a weapon regardless of what he's going to do on the field."
Mobley is a big back, standing 6-foot-1 and weighing in right at 230 pounds. That stature can be a nightmare for opposing defenses, especially when the game gets late.
His size also compliments senior speedster Jayy McDonald well.
"We call it lightning and thunder," Mobley said. "With him being able to get to the edge like he does and me being able to run through the tackles, I feel like you can't miss with either one," Mobley said.
If Mobley can continue to bring the thunder, Middle Tennessee's offense should continue to progress as the season goes along.
The redshirt junior bruiser at one time didn't even expect to run the ball much this season. However, now halfway through, he leads the team's running backs in carries, yards and touchdowns.
"He's a good player, and he's practiced well," head coach Rick Stockstill said. "He's got good hands … and he's been running the ball hard with a purpose. He just has to continue to build on that."
Over the past four games, Mobley has taken 11 carries per game for an average 68.5 yards, scoring five touchdowns (two receiving) over that span. It culminated in his best game of the season last week against North Texas, where he rushed 14 times for 156 yards and scored a rushing and receiving touchdown.
His steady work increase has given the Blue Raiders another weapon to utilize around redshirt junior quarterback Asher O'Hara. It's had a positive impact on the team's offense, which has gone from averaging 212.5 yards and seven points over its first two games to 435.75 yards and 29.5 points over the last four.
"As the season's starting to go along, I've started to find myself, and the running game will continue to get better," Mobley said. "We're going to throw out everything that doesn't work and keep the things that work … and perfect it."
During fall camp, Mobley was anticipating moving from running back to H-back to play more of a tight-end-type role. But, with two running backs opting out before the season started, Mobley was forced back into the backfield, where he feels most comfortable.
"It really wasn't a hassle to go back to running back," he said. "The experience I had playing running back never left me. … I'm just trying to keep doing what I do."
Having time in the offseason to run more routes has paid dividends for Mobley this season. He's snared two receiving touchdowns, including a beautiful one-handed grab for the game's first score against North Texas.
"He's a really special player," O'Hara said. "He's still got all of those traits of being a good receiver. I know whenever I can get the ball to him … that he's going to make a play.
"He's a weapon regardless of what he's going to do on the field."
Mobley is a big back, standing 6-foot-1 and weighing in right at 230 pounds. That stature can be a nightmare for opposing defenses, especially when the game gets late.
His size also compliments senior speedster Jayy McDonald well.
"We call it lightning and thunder," Mobley said. "With him being able to get to the edge like he does and me being able to run through the tackles, I feel like you can't miss with either one," Mobley said.
If Mobley can continue to bring the thunder, Middle Tennessee's offense should continue to progress as the season goes along.
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