Indiana Football Spring Running Back Position Preview

Written by Matt Smith

Indiana has had a long run of strong running backs with names such as Tevin Coleman. Jordan Howard, and Stevie Scott. Scott has opted to declare for the NFL this year, which means a new running back will have to carry the load this year for the Hoosiers.

With the return of Deland McCullough as running backs coach as well as associate head coach, the battle for the position will be very intense during spring practice beginning on Monday. 

Filling the hole that Stevie Scott left will not be easy, Scott was a two team All Big-Ten second team player in 2019 and 2020. Scott totaled 561 yards rushing last year which was fourth in the Big Ten. He also totaled 10 touchdowns for the Hoosiers.

There are five different players looking to fill the starting role for McCullough. It could very well be a running back by committee system as well and some of these backs can bring very different skills to the position.

Tim Baldwin Jr. 6’0’’  217 pounds

Baldwin was an exciting player during his freshman season for the Hoosiers. The highlight of the season came against Maryland when he ran for 106 years on 16 carries. After that game he ran for minimal yards the rest of the way. Baldwin will be given a serious look for the starting position as he has a bigger burst than the other backs fighting for the position. 

David Ellis 6’0’’ 213 pounds

It will be interesting to see what McCullough does with Ellis as he was used in multiple spots last season. However, Ellis has moved from receiver to running back during spring ball this year. Last season at wide receiver he caught 11 passes for 137 yards and a touchdown. Ellis also missed the first three games with an ankle injury. During his freshman year, Ellis returned 28 kicks for 579 yards which ranked third nationally for true freshman. Ellis will be involved in the offense this year and it will be interesting to see where and when.

Sampson James 6’1’’  220 pounds

James is the early leader for the starting position under McCullough. James has impressed coaches in his little playing time the past two seasons with the Hoosiers. Last season, the former four star recruit appeared in six games last season and ran for 96 yards on 32 carries. During his freshman season, James started two games and appeared in all 13. He rushed 81 times for 275 yards and three touchdowns. James will look to his experience to earn him the starting position beginning this spring.

Ahrod Lloyd 5’11’’  197 pounds

Lloyd returned a few kicks for the Hoosiers last season as he appeared in five games. During his redshirt sophomore season, he also returned three kicks and had ten rushes. He was the IU walk-on player of the year and earned a scholarship during fall camp. He will look to receive some touches this season under McCullough.

Charlie Spegal 5’10’’ 218 pounds

Spegal was the 2019 Indiana Mr.Football and joined the team as a walk-on during fall camp last year. He was on the scout team against Penn State, but other than that he did not see any playing time last year. Spegal will look to compete for some playing time this season.

With the health at the quarterback position in question right now, the running back room will carry a large load for the offense early this season. These five tailbacks will begin the battle for the starting position on Monday as IU begins their first spring ball practice in over a year and continues their full offseason.