Spring Practice 2018 Position Preview: Running Backs

Col Gest races toward the end zone against Maryland Image: Sarah Miller Hoosier Huddle

Written By Nathan Comp

After losing NFL talent and a couple of the all-time greats in Devine Redding, Tevin Coleman, and Jordan Howard, the running back position was certainly a question mark entering the 2017 season. Unfortunately, the results of the rushing game did not live up to the standards of previous seasons. However, even with three transfers at the position, as Tom Allen pears into the cupboard of running back talent this year, he should see that it is stocked for success. It will be important for Indiana to establish a running game this season, even more than last, simply because (unless there is a late grad transfer addition at quarterback) these running backs will be joined in the backfield by the likes of an underclassmen quarterback.

Running Backs Coach: Mike Hart (2nd Year at IU)

The Stable

Morgan Ellison 6’1”/225 Sophomore

The two-time Big Ten Freshman of the Week and IU’s Offensive Newcomer of the Year award winner returns to the backfield to build on last season’s team-high 704 rushing yards. Despite injuries that prevented Ellison from competing the entire season, Ellison was without a doubt a bright spot for the Indiana rushing attack. The power back proved to be a threat in the red zone last season on a team that struggled to score inside the 20. Next year, Ellison’s eyes are likely set on the starting position, but he will have stiff competition.

Mike Majette 5’11/210 Senior

After an injury-plagued season in which Majette was only able to play in five games, the senior should have a chip on his shoulder to make his final year his best. Deeming his One Word for 2018 as “Unbroken”, Hoosier fans hope that Majette can translate this to his physical health in the form of injury prevention. Majette can likely make his greatest impact for the offense through the air, serving as a 3rd down back and catching passes out of the backfield. With a reported 4.4 40-yard dash speed, Majette should play in well with Tom Allen’s focus on becoming faster this offseason and is a good contrast from the power-style running shown by Ellison and Brookins.  

Cole Gest 5’8”/195 R-Sophomore

Gest served as the secondary rushing attack for an Indiana team led by underclassmen running backs last season. He also had one of the best highlights of the 2017 season, catching a pass out of the backfield against Maryland and proceeding to run through a defender on his way to a 23-yard touchdown. Gest is a player who is likely to benefit from the hiring of elite strength coach David Ballou and Dr. Matt Rhea, as he made headlines in his high school days and at Notre Dame for his intense and out of the ordinary workouts. After receiving more playing time than probably expected early in his career, expect Gest to draw on this experience and continue to be a bright spot both running the ball and catching passes out of the backfield.

Craig Nelson 5’10”/175 R-Freshman

Nelson is often forgotten when considering the Hoosier running backs, although his potential should not be overlooked. As a back out of the prestigious Booker T. Washington in Miami, FL, Nelson serves as a potential dark horse next season. Although he may not be used directly out of the Hoosier backfield, his speed makes him a likely candidate to serve a role on special teams. And if Tom Allen has preached anything this offseason, it is that speed can almost certainly earn you playing time.

Ricky Brookins 5’8”/190 R-Senior

Alongside Mike Majette, the redshirt senior Brookins will lead the Hoosier’s upperclassmen rushing attack. Unlike some of the other backs, Brookins has been a player you can count on to be healthy – likely because he has been the one laying the hard hits on defenders. To make an IU basketball comparison, Brookins can be compared to a Zach McRoberts, always dependable even if not making an impact on the stat sheet; Brookins earned IU offensive player of the week honors after tallying zero carries and two receptions for 12 yards against Michigan State last year, if that gives you an idea of the kind of impact he can make outside of the box score. Brookins and Majette have already had Twitter exchanges declaring their excitement to “make their last year their best.”

Ronnie Walker Jr. 5’11”/198 Freshman

In an impressive 2018 recruiting class, most would consider Walker to be the prized recruit of them all. A two-time all-state selection in the state of Virginia, Walker was described by Mike Hart at the signing day showcase as “the fastest of the running backs.” Eager to see immediate playing time, Walker is already enrolled in classes and on campus for the spring semester at IU. Walker is determined to get his body in the best shape possible for Big Ten play and is sure to make an immediate impact. Walker couples his speed with an impressive ability to break tackles; watch his junior season highlights on Hudl and it’ll take you five minutes before you see him tackled before reaching the endzone. The future is bright with Walker wearing the cream and crimson.

Others to Keep an Eye On: Ahrod Lloyd 5’11”/195 R-Freshman, Connor Thomas 5’8”/183 R- Sophomore, and Stevie Scott 6’1”/225 Incoming Recruit

The final running backs on the roster are likely to be seen elsewhere on the field, likely special teams. Walk-ons Lloyd and Thomas, despite Thomas’ limited number of carries in the Georgia Southern and Maryland games, made an impact primarily on scout team last season. Llouyd was a four-time scout team player of the week. Additionally, Scott was introduced at the Signing Day Showcase with the special teams recruits and was described as a “physical athlete with great fit” and “you will see him on the field with special teams this year.” With such deep talent at running back, this group will likely have to wait to see time in the backfield although he could find his way into the linebacker corps if the defensive coaches get their way.

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