Spring Football Preview (Running Back)

So we lost Shady to the NFL and Stephens-Howling to graduation but I think this position is going to be a big strength coming into this season. We have a ton of bodies and different types of runners that could be utilized by the new OC. Last season at Cal Cignetti had a fantastic rushing offense and I think he is looking to build that type of success here.

If you listen to what Shady said upon his exit of the program Chris Burns is the front runner. Burns is a speedy back who is built identically to Shady when he was a freshman. Since Burns redshirted we have no real idea what his game looks like at the college level but he is a very intriguing prospect. 

Kevin Collier is the upper classmen option to take the starting job. Colllier has been around forever and has been a little snakebit in his time in the program having to redshirt due to injury in 2007. He was a highly regarded recruit from Wanny's first recruiting class but has only seen the field very sparingly in his 4 years here. 

Shariff Harris is a guy we have hyped up here since he was a freshman due to his thundering running style. I've seen him in practices a few times and he is a difficult player to bring down. He could be the thunder to the lightning of Chris Burns and I would love to see him in a big role this year. Pure power runner with some breakaway speed. Definitely my favorite back of the group.

Dion Lewis is a true freshman who I would expect to get a look but in the end I think he redshirts. Down the line he could develop into a big time player with his speed but I think there is a log jam at running back and he will have to wait his turn.

Fullback is a position that could be intriguing as well because we assumed that Henry Hynoski was the heir apparent at the position but Wanny has given him some competition. There is a rumor that linebacker Brandon Lindsey has done the dreaded position switch and is going to compete at fullback. Collier has been mentioned as a guy who will do some lead blocking as well. How much we use a lead blocker is a guess since we haven't seen what Cignetti is doing with the offense yet.

*Completely off the running back topic I heard the rumor that Mark Madden put out yesterday that Stull was going to be benched and it was now a two man race for the starting QB job between Sunseri and Bostick. I don't believe this for a second unless some sort of rules violation was involved. It makes no sense to narrow the QB battle until at least everybody has gotten a chance at the job in spring practice. If anything remotely credible comes out on this I will give the update but for now enjoy the NCAA tournament.