2019 Position Preview: Running Backs

(Photo courtesy of Larry Sellers)

As everyone knows, the Jacks are looking to replace their quarterback Taryn Christion who was the signal caller for the last four years.  When I talk to Jackrabbit fans, there isn't a ton of worry about the offense and I think that is due to the fact that the Jackrabbits are bringing back an incredibly deep and talented stable of running backs.  I interviewed the new position coach, Jimmy Beal, and I could tell that he was excited for the opportunity and potential for this group.  He shared that when he came in, he tried to tune-out the outside noise about this group and be his own judge about how good they were.  He said that they have lived up to the hype and are as good as advertised and his job is to now make them even better.

#36 Luke Sellers (6-1, 245) is now a senior and team captain.  Luke was robbed of all-MVFC honors in 2018 and I would expect that to serve as a source of motivation this season.  Coach shared that Luke is a tremendous leader and really holds his teammates accountable.  One of my personal favorite things about re-watching the Jackrabbit games is paying attention to the offensive line play.  Watching Sellers, who functions as another guard, handle defensive linemen and bully linebackers and defensive backs is a thing of beauty.  I would expect Luke's role in the offense to increase this season because he is so reliable and effective.   

#26 Mikey Daniel (6-0, 225) enters his senior year looking to put a stamp on a very good Jackrabbit career.  Mikey recently broke the running back bench press record and broke into the 400# mark. We all know Mikey is a physical runner but he is more athletic than he gets credit for.  His hurdle of the defender in the snow against Duquesne is an example of this.  Mikey ended the year with 630 yards rushing and a 4.5 average to go with 10 touchdowns.  Mikey also showed good hands in 2018 with 10 receptions and 1 TD. Coach shared that he trusts Mikey completely because of how much time he has invested in the playbook and he appreciates how he mentors the younger backs.

#20 Pierre Strong Jr. (5-11, 200) burst onto the scene the last half of the season after injuries took their tole on position group and finished as a freshman All-American and the HERO Sports Freshman of the year.  Pierre ended with 1116 yards rushing and 11 TD.  He had a knack for breaking off huge chunks of yardage (9.5 average) but also showed the ability to grind out hard runs. Coach Beal is excited to see what is next for Pierre as he has grown in the playbook and now has a better understanding of the offense, not just his role.  Strong has been named to multiple pre season All-Conference and All-American lists.

#8 CJ Wilson (5-10, 195) is a player who has tantalizing potential that the Jackrabbit faithful saw glimpses of as a freshman.  CJ had 43 carries for 281 yards, good for 6.5 ypc average, and 1 TD.  However, a lingering quad injury limited his availability but he is fully healthy entering 2019.  Beal described Wilson as "electric and dynamic."  His balance and ability to fall forward every play are something we saw last season.  In his limited playing time, he had 7 receptions for 49 yards and a TD and I would expect the Jacks to work to create space for him in the offense.  Wilson could also serve as a kick and punt returner in 2019 as he has tremendous speed and vision. 

#5 Blair Mulholland (5-10, 195) is a guy who feels like he has been with the team forever but he is still just a junior.  Beal shared that Blair is so reliable and a great a person to have in the running back room.  Beal trusts Blair and would not hesitate to put him in the game in any situation.  Although Blair's opportunities have been limited so far in his Jackrabbit career, he did score 2 TD's last year on only 12 carries.  Look for Blair to be a core special teams player in 2019 and to serve any role that the team needs.

#29 Jefferson Lee V (5-9, 185) enters his second year with the program after a good redshirt season.  Due to the new "freshmen 4 game rule", Jefferson was able to play in a game and bust off a 21 yard run. Beal has been impressed with his dedication and work ethic citing the fact that he drove from Marshall, MN everyday this summer to attend workouts with the team.  Beal shared that Jefferson has grown in the playbook and that his ability (scored 100 TDs in high school) is evident. 

#40 Turner Blasius (6-1, 240) is now a senior and returns as the backup fullback.  Turner is also a core special teams player.  He is also a legacy player and embodies what it means to be a Jackrabbit.  Beal shared that Turner will do whatever it takes to help the Jackrabbits win.

#43 Mike Morgan (6-3, 225) enters his freshman year after earning Scout Offensive Player of the Year his redshirt season.  Morgan has position versatility and was a very successful running back in Illinois.  Beal said that Mike has good hands, can carry, the ball, and is a good blocker.  Mike is learning from Luke and it will be fun to see what he can do this year and beyond.   

Devin Blakley and Payton Madison are the incoming freshman for the running back room.  Blakley was originally a Bowling Green commit as a defensive back before committing to SDSU.  He has tremendous speed and vision.  Beal shared that he is excited to get to coach Devin as he feels he has the potential to be a very special player. I wouldn't be surprised if Devin used the freshman 4 game rule this season. Payton Madison has tremendous position versatility and shared that he "loves to block" in a local newspaper article.  This is the perfect attitude for a fullback.  Beal is excited about Payton's position versatility and that he can seemingly do it all as a fullback/hback type of player.

Go Jacks!
Matt