Coach's Take: Christopher Talley has a trait you can't teach
Whitehaven head coach Rodney Saulsberry Sr. believes that running back Christopher Talley has some gifts that simply can’t be coached.
One of those is his speed, as Talley has demonstrated the ability to turn two-yard gains into long touchdown runs over the course of his career,# given his ability to run.
“He can run by you and make explosive runs. He has high-level speed,” he said.
Saulsberry has known Talley since he was around six years old and was aware of him from his time in the middle school feeder program. While he initially spent time on the defensive side of the ball, the coaches gave him a chance at running back in practice as a freshman and haven’t looked back.
“We started hanging him the ball and our eyes got big and said this guy can really run the football,” he said.
Talley broke out as a sophomore and last season recorded over 1,600 yards and 16 touchdowns. One of the things that has put him in position for success is simply how he approaches the game and his competitive nature to continue to improve.
Talley has always shown a willingness to not only compete but learn and improve, which should put him in an even better situation as he continues to hone his craft.
“He’s a really, really talented player at this current time but he’s only getting better,” Saulsberry said.
In fact, Saulsberry believes that Talley is an ascending player and as he is able to focus fully on football at the college level instead of also competing in track, there is a pathway for him to unlock even more of his abilities on the field. While his speed is his calling card, Talley also plays with a physical element and possesses good contact balance for his size.
“He has the frame to add weight and become an even more powerful runner. I can see him getting to 200-pounds and he’ll be even more dangerous adding power,” he said.
As far as fit, Saulsberry believes that what West Virginia head coach Rich Rodriguez does will be perfect for Talley, as it will place his speed in space. Also, the way that Rodriguez and running backs coach Larry Porter coach their players is a good fit for his temperament.
“He’s going to compete and earn his time on the field so we’re excited for him,” he said.
Saulsberry believes that Talley is up there with some of the best he’s coached at the position and brings an energy level both on and off the field that is infectious.
“It’s very beneficial because he’s going to compete. He’s going to be a great teammate,” he said.
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