I think this year needs to be a lesson to all of us that A-Back is not a plug-and-play position. I know I thought it was. It's intricate and the technique or responsibilities isn't something most pick up easily.
I know I took the AB position for granted. It has been "plug and play" in previous years, but we were always "plugging in" guys with 2-3 years in the system. With Snoddy out and the loss of Andrews we are playing almost exclusively FR and RS FR right now, who are clearly not able to "plug in" like I thought.
Searcy looked to be an up and coming big-time player before he was injured, so that's a bummer to lose him.
I do like the idea of having some bigger AB's for blocking. Just have to be careful not to make it obvious which direction the play is going. It would be interesting to see some guys like Kagawa, Curry, or Gray, or even some BB's get some cross training at AB. Too bad Byerly is hurt and Jordan has to play QB. He would probably be pretty solid at AB.
We should be ok at AB again next year with the (assumed) return of Searcy, Cottrell, Willis, Lands-Davis, JJ Green becoming elligible, and hopefully Jordan able to spend some time at AB, along with all the other young guys getting playing time now.
We badly need Philpott and/or Howell to step up at WR for next season or we will be mediocre there for the next 2-3 years.