RB Coach Johnson Looking for Leaders on the Ground during Spring Ball

Written by: @zachegreene 

New Running Back Coach Craig Johnson is looking for leadership at the running back position and guys who are willing to sacrifice themselves to gain that extra yard. Right now, he is learning toward Seniors Shaun Shivers and Josh Henderson to be those guys.

“They have been done a really good job of being out in front in our group.” Johnson said. “They are playing like guys with experience that have been through the ropes, so to speak. I think they are doing a really good job with leadership in my group. When they get their opportunities, they are making the plays. Josh has done a really good job all around, and in pass [protection] he has been tremendous. Shaun has really also done a good job in pass protection and has broken off some good runs. Obviously, you look for that from the leadership, I know that the players - which is a good thing - ask them a lot of questions. That is good, because they want to rely on the leadership that they bring, and I love the answers that they give because they sound like a coach.”

Johnson arrived in Bloomington over a month ago after spending time as a senior analyst at the University of Maryland and before that he spent five seasons as the NY Giants RB coach. He, along with a new offensive coaching staff, bring their new terminology which the players have been picking up on quickly.

“The biggest thing is the guys to me have made the biggest improvement with the terminology.” Johnson explained. “It was a little new, as it always is when you have a new coordinator, but at the end of the day, they were a little sluggish with it the first week, which was to be expected. I think, and believe strongly, since then they have really done a good job. They are picking it up and starting to play a little bit faster, we are able to put a little bit more stuff in for them to learn from, so it's been really good. I like where they are at, however, we always still have a long way to go.” 

Last season, the Hoosiers struggled on the ground. They averaged a little over 3 yards on the ground. Head Coach Tom Allen would like to see that number more towards 4 this season. To add, Allen felt the running was too predictable. Expect to see some new plays being run on the ground.

Shaun Shivers was brought in to be a workhorse and will get plays drawn up for him. Coming out of high school he was a four-star recruit who also ran track. He brings his 4.3-speed and an exclusive running style. Standing at five-foot-seven, Shivers is not afraid to get hit.

Shivers had this to say on Tuesday on his early impressions of the IU football program.

“First, I was at Auburn for four years and I kind of saw my playing time decrease” Shivers said. “That kind of made me think, 'It's time. Finish the season strong, but it's time to move on and get another opportunity somewhere else.' Once I got into the transfer portal, [Indiana] called me as soon as I was in the portal. They were one of the first ones to call and tell me about the program and that most of their running backs were hurt or leaving, so I felt like it was the best decision to come here and compete for a starting position ... Me coming here was basically for me to have the best opportunity to make it to the next level.”

The other transfer addition splitting reps with Shivers is Josh Henderson who played at North Carolina and also saw his playing time decrease. He had this to say about his early impressions.

“This staff brings it every day.” Henderson said. “That is something that really impressed myself and my family when I was in the process of finding another school. Everybody on this staff is all bought in and it really encourages all of the players to step up their game and be the best player they can be every day. They motivate us day in and day out.”

Considering the amount of turn over the program had this past off-season it’s good to hear that Henderson sees a big commitment in the program.