Hoosiers Spring Football Preview: Can the Running Attack Build on the Last Two Weeks of 2022?

Written by: Nate Comp (@NathanComp1)

While the 2022 Indiana Hoosiers started the season with a win against Illinois utilizing essentially an air-raid offensive scheme, the conclusion of the year saw the Hoosiers rely heavily on their rushing attack. With Walt Bell’s emphasis on finding a dual threat quarterback this offseason and ultimately finding the mobile Tayven Jackson in the portal, we can expect more of a balanced attack through the air and on the ground in 2023. Add in the hiring of Wisconsin’s Bob Bostad as the new offensive line coach, and surely the rushing attack will be an important part of the Hoosiers offensive gameplan moving forward.

That means the Hoosiers will need a number of guys to step in and perform from the running backs room this season. Last year, Indiana finished the year ranked 112th in the FBS in rushing yards per game (110.83). The bulk of the yardage came from Shaun Shivers, who has exhausted his eligibility and moved on to the next level. Josh Henderson and (arguably most importantly) Jaylin Lucas return this season, after combining for 669 yards on 139 attempts last year. But much of the remainder of the room is new or unproven.

Workouts are in full swing and official spring practice starts on March 4th. Let’s evaluate the running backs room as the Hoosiers head into spring ball.

The Workhorses

Three men are most likely to dominate the bulk of the carry share: Josh Henderson and Jaylin Lucas, as previously mentioned, along with the new addition from the transfer portal, Christian Turner. Turner joins the Hoosiers by way of Wake Forest, where he appeared in all 12 games last season and carried 128 times for 516 yards and seven touchdowns. The graduate senior led the team in rushing scores, and while it is not a dominant part of his game, was still able to be effective catching the ball out of the backfield; he caught five passes, one of which went for a score, last season.

Henderson is the likely pure running back starter going into the spring, as Lucas will certainly see his fair share of playing time but is likely to line up all over the field. While Shivers was the more heralded pull out of the transfer portal last year, Henderson arguably had the better year. The UNC transfer finished the year as the team’s leader in receiving (4) and total (8) touchdowns, including his first career multi-touchdown game against Maryland. He finished the year with 398 yards on 90 carries and 24 receptions for 274 yards. His versatility is desirable in Bell’s offense, and as the lead returning man on the depth chart, he should have the chance to really prove himself next year.

Jaylin Lucas is the final returning member of the group. Many fans were certain Lucas would find his way to the transfer portal this offseason, but ultimately the dynamic do-it-all athlete will return next season on Indiana’s roster. Putting aside his abilities as a rusher out of the backfield, Lucas earned first-team All-America honors as a kick returner by CBS Sports, Pro Football Focus, Walter Camp, and USA Today. Adding in his abilities as a rusher, he is a truly special player, namely his breakaway speed. Last year, he was the first Hoosier since Tevin Coleman in 2014 with three 70-yard scoring plays in a single season. He finished the year with 271 total yards on 49 attempts and added 16 receptions for 82 yards as well. This year, it is no secret that Walt Bell plans to use Lucas not only in the backfield but also as a slot receiver. Any way the Hoosiers can creatively scheme up ways for him to get the ball, they should try.

The Returning Depth

Two scholarship players return to round out the backfield, a pair of redshirt sophomores Trent Howland and David Holloman. While both were relatively solid prospects coming out of high school, the pair have not yet seen a ton of action on the field early in their careers. Both redshirted their first year on campus in 2021 and only Howland saw game action in 2022. Howland saw two rushes for 12 yards in the Idaho game, but he actually moved over to linebacker at the end of the season. While he appeared in nine games, this was mostly on special teams. Holloman did not see time in 2022 after playing four games in 2021, but he did win offensive scout team player of the week once last year.

If the starting three backs are able to stay healthy the entire season, Howland and Holloman can continue to develop behind the scenes. I imagine the fear with the Hoosiers running backs room, though, will be if anyone in front of these two go down with injury. While they have the talent, both players are largely unproven at the collegiate level. Only a couple backs stand between them and a prominent role at an important position.

The Walk Ons

Indiana has at times seen production from their walk-ons at running back, and if that is the case next year it will come from a couple of guys: Reece Lozano and Declan McMahon. Both redshirted their freshman years in 2022. Charlie Spegal was often the name brought up when discussing walk on running backs in the past after his phenomenal production at New Palestine High School, but Spegal hit the transfer portal and headed to Ball State this offseason.

Final Analysis

Indiana got a huge break when both Josh Henderson and Jaylin Lucas opted to return next season. After a couple seasons in a row when the projected starters at the position were new faces to the room, Indiana has some productive familiarity returning along with the nice addition of Christian Turner. While depth is a concern for the room, if the room can stay healthy it should certainly be a threat in Walt Bell’s offensive attack. Add in what is sure to be improved offensive line play under Bob Bostad, and there is reason for optimism at the position heading into the new year.