Spring Practice 2018 Position Battle: Running Back

Morgan Ellison (27) looks to hold on to his starting position in 2018 Image: Sammy Jacobs Hoosier Huddle

Written BY Nathan Comp

After a disappointing rushing attack that finished 12th in the Big Ten in yardage (130 ypg) and scored the fewest touchdowns (11) in 2017, the Hoosiers will attempt to get back on track in the 2018 season. Whether these poor statistics can be blamed on the running backs or the blocking is up for debate, but what is certain is that with a depth chart that possesses more talent heading into the 2018 season, the Hoosiers are primed for steady success. Running backs coach Mike Hart has difficult lineup decisions ahead of him; the running backs boast arguably Indiana’s greatest depth, in a mixture of talented underclassmen and experienced upperclassmen. It is key for Indiana running backs, along with the offensive line, to establish a strong running game to take pressure off the inexperienced quarterback likely to line up alongside them in the backfield. Here’s how I see the depth chart working itself out come September 1st

Predictions

The Starter: Morgan Ellison 6’1”/225 Sophomore

Despite stiff competition from the rest of the group, I expect the eight-time starter in 2017 to continue to hold the position once fall comes. Whenever you’ve got a running back that Big Ten East foe Ohio State fans wish they had on their sidelines, you know you’ve got yourselves a good one. The power-style running back should be able to couple his aggressive running style with improved speed over the offseason to continue to round out his game. As a true freshman starter in 2017, no one could deny Ellison’s brute strength, likely coming from his background in rugby. To truly shine this season, Hoosier fans will be looking for improvement by Ellison in two areas: receptions and staying on the field. With only 9 total receptions in 2017, Ellison should be able to make significant improvement being a threat out of the backfield. This certainly is not Ellison’s core competency but would add another dimension to his game. Secondly, Ellison must be able to battle the injury bug. Ellison was knocked out of a couple games last season early and is still developing his running style to be powerful while protecting his legs. Injuries have plagued Ellison since high school, notably keeping major programs wary of him on the recruiting trail, but an offseason with the injury prevention masters in Coach Ballou and Coach Rhea should certainly help. I’m certainly excited to see his progression for his sophomore season.

RB2: Ronnie Walker Jr. 5’11”/198 Freshman

The cream of the crop in the 2018 recruiting class. There certainly is a lot of hype surrounding this guy, for good reason. The four-star recruit out of Hopewell, VA picked the Hoosiers back in August over Big Ten East rival Michigan State and the hometown University of Virginia. The best part of all is that Walker is already on campus and eyeing the starting position. He has been in the weight room with Coach Ballou and Coach Rhea, working on his already impressive speed and change of direction capabilities. Running backs Coach Hart, at the signing day showcase, already deemed Walker “the fastest of the running backs.” There is also excitement revolving around his presence in the locker room, as many have declared he’s an even better person than he is a player. “I dream every night about being a great leader,” said Walker*. Hoosier fans can be excited with a 1-2 punch of the powerful Ellison and the speedy Walker at tailback.

RB3: Mike Majette 5’11/210 Senior

The third running back on my depth chart would be the first upperclassmen so far, senior Mike Majette. After starting three games last year, Majette was injured and forced to sit out for numerous games. He was only able to compete in five games, so he should have a chip on his shoulder to make his senior year his best. Majette’s strength is his ability to catch the ball out of the backfield. You’re likely to see packages run for him on third downs because of both his catching ability and his speed in the open field. Having not seen him much last season, I’m hoping an offseason with the injury prevention gurus in the strength and conditioning program can make an impact for Majette. Either way, it’s never a bad thing to have an experienced upperclassman back third on the depth chart.

RB4: Cole Gest 5’8”/195 R-Sophomore

For fourth on the depth chart, we return to an underclassman, but an experienced one. Gest earned the Hoosier’s second best rushing yardage total last year with 428 yards. For what Gest may lack in size, he makes up for in speed and his ability to break tackles. He is a strong guy and certainly difficult to bring down in the open field. What I know for certain is that you will not outwork him; he’s determined to always be the hardest worker in the room and persevere through difficult times, such as his season-ending injury his freshman year. A workout enthusiast, I’m sure that Gest was thrilled with the hiring of new strength coaches. He will certainly have his eyes set on moving up the depth chart.

RB5: Ricky Brookins 5’8”/190 R-Senior

The second and final senior in the Hoosier backfield comes in the form of Ricky Brookins. Brookins is credited with receiving compliments from a legendary Hoosier tailback, 1989 Heisman Trophy runner up Anthony Thompson*. “He’s my hero,” said Thompson. “Ricky is a hard worker, keeps his head down, does the right things and people gravitate to him.” High praise – and yes, this praise is about a guy I have fifth on the depth chart (this running back group is deep!). After earning a scholarship last year, Brookins continued to keep his head down and work hard. He will be expected to make impacts both out of the backfield as a receiver, as he led Indiana running backs in receptions last year, and in special teams, as his toughness and speed are desirable traits. Again, not a bad thing to have an experienced back to pull low on the depth chart.

Dark Horse: Craig Nelson 5’10”/175 R-Freshman

When you have as great of backs in front of you on the depth chart, it is easy to forget about the redshirt-freshman Craig Nelson. Nelson will try to prove it was a mistake to forget about him. The 2017 recruit out of prestigious Booker T Washington in Miami, FL has a trait that Tom Allen has preached this offseason: speed. If you have speed, Allen is going to try to find a way for you to see the field. Whether this be out of the backfield, or the more likely option at special teams, Nelson will likely fly under the radar.

Added Depth: Ahrod Lloyd 5’11”/195 R-Freshman and Connor Thomas 5’8”/183 R- Sophomore

It’s never a bad thing to have a deep depth chart at running back. The tail end of the depth chart will be headed by underclassmen Ahrod Lloyd and Connor Thomas. Thomas saw limited action last season, mostly in mop-up duty. Lloyd joined as a walk on last season and earned scout team player of the week honors four times. You could potentially see them make an impact on special teams.

*Quotes*

https://twitter.com/HoosierFootball/status/954115667610935296

 http://www.mywabashvalley.com/sports/anthony-thompson-on-ricky-brookins-hes-my-hero/803012862