Who invented that BS? Unnatural & hinders speed. Please don't tell me it reduces fumbling. Plenty of great backs didn't carry it like that & didn't fumble.
The ball is the program. It allows the carrier to get a better and strong wrap from bicep, to elbow, to wrist, to hand, and also less up there in the way of legs and knees and hands that could knock the ball loose when hitting the hole. High and tight.