IU Running Backs Finding Their Way Under Craig Johnson

Written by Sammy Jacobs (@Hoosier_Huddle)

The Indiana hoosiers running backs room went under a total overhaul. Craig Johnson replaced Deland McCullough as the position coach. Shaun Shivers (Auburn) and Josh Henderson (North Carolina) were added from the portal to replace Stephen Carr (Pro), Tim Baldwins (transfer), Davion Ervin-Poindexter (transfer) and Chris Childers (transfer). While the room added Jaylin Lucas as a high school recruit. Only redshirt freshmen David Holloman, Trent Howland and red shirt sophomore Charlie Spegal return from 2021.

The turnover may not be a bad thing, IU was abysmal in the run game last year thanks to transfers and injuries as well as an under performing offensive line. Everyone in the room is getting a fresh start.

“Well I told the guys when I first came here is you certainly don't know me and I don't know you. So if you were all American last year. Since I’ve been in the NFL for a long time, I wouldn't know. I mean, don't take it personal. But whatever you did in the past, I don't really care.” Johnson said. “All I care about is what we're doing now for the present and where we're going in the future. And so, obviously you want to look for improvement every week. That's what we're looking for. And so one of the things that I have always tried to stay away from as a coach is when I walk into a new place and everybody wants to tell me this is what this guy does. And this is what this guy does. I don't care I washed it out of my mind. It's a new slate. Let me see what you can do. And every back has something to work on.”

The roles have not been defined yet, but the talent in the group is there. Each player is a little different and brings something to the table. However, Johnson has not formed a rotation just yet.

“I think it is [mostly] personnel driven. I think as far as how much for each back, that is yet to be determined. The head coach is the guy who has to sign off on everybody, then [offensive] coordinator Walt Bell and all of the assistants will have that talk.
Whoever we deem is the first guy out the first week or how much they are going to play. There are different ways you do that. Sometimes you rotate, sometimes you go by play counts. I have had all types. In the preseason, the truth is, on every single team I have been on recently, I focus on group development. I don't worry about who is the guy who walks out first, if it is the third guy, I want to coach from the top to the bottom because I know that there is a chance, at some point, there is a guy that doesn't walk out there as a start has to be prepared to be ready to play. That is what I've learned.” Johnson explained of his philosophy.

The Hoosiers are looking to improve their rushing attack to be a more effective and balanced offense in 2022.