Turbo Richard and Lee Beebe Complement Each Other in the Hoosier Backfield

Turbo Richard and Lee Beebe Jr. both had over 100 rushing yards last Saturday against the Howard Bison. They both split carries throughout the game, as they truly are equals out there. Richard had 108 yards on 11 carries, while Beebe ran for 111 yards on 16 carries.

Both running backs bring different strengths to the table, as Beebe is more of a physical back, while Richard has more of a quick burst. Not that both aren’t fast and strong, but rather that they both have extremely complementary traits.

“I feel like Turbo, he’s fast, he’s explosive, he’s elusive, and I’m more of a physical guy, so I feel like we complement each other well,” Beebe said.

They both bring a different approach to the run game, while also allowing for the other to catch a breather. This is something that Indiana had last year with Roman Hemby and Kaelon Black, but this year the running back room completes the same mission, but with different faces.

“I feel like we complement each other pretty well. With both able to go in it brings production to the offense and just keeps each other fresh,” Richard said.

It is worth noting that Khobie Martin will very much be in this running back mix when he heals up from his injury. This will be about midseason, but Beebe is doing what he can to make sure that Martin is in the right spirits. One year ago, Saturday marked the day that Beebe suffered his season-ending ACL tear; now he uses that experience to help his teammate.

“Yeah, I’m talking to Kobe every day,” Beebe said. “Just making sure he’s getting the right treatment, make sure he’s staying in that training room because I’ve been where he’s at”.

The running backs are a complementary tandem, soon to be a trio, but they are still direct competitors for the starting role.

“Just trying to be as consistent as possible between all of us,” Richard said. “When it’s someone else’s turn, they’ll go in, do their thing, or if I go in, do my thing, just kind of like that, we play off each other”.

The running game has a competition, and that is no secret, but this competition actually just drives them to be their best self. None of them are selfish players, and they all came here with the intention to win, but having to compete for reps just makes you a better and more consistent player.

The duo of Richard and Beebe went for over 200 yards last week, and it appears like that might be a commonality as the season continues. The run game is vital to a Curt Cignetti team, and this running back room is poised to dominate all season long.